2012

2012 was my first FULL year living in Chicago! Has it really been almost two years since I moved here? Crazy. I went back and read the post I wrote after living here a year and I can say that things have changed a little I guess. When I first moved to Chicago, I knew in my heart and soul that I would never leave. Fast forward to now and I know I'll be back closer to home one day. Could be next week, could be a few years. Who knows!?

I've had a lot of time to sit down and think about how my life and attitude was 20 months ago, even a year ago...and how it is today. Back then I was bitter and whiney and "whoa is me" and looking for fights and thought my world was going to end if I didn't meet get a boyfriend as soon as possible. Eeesh. Today and within the past year....I don't worry as much. I live one day at a time. I try my damnedest to stay more positive. The last thing on my mind (Most days. K.) is a boy. I have never loved my body this much and, surprise, I don't have to exercise twice a day and eat only lettuce like I did then (I'm also smaller than I was then!?). I'm still the queen of pity parties but that has even gotten better along with being a pushover, HA! And most importantly to my family, I have not turned into a flaming Liberal Democrat. Phew.

I could go on and on about how this place has changed me for the better. For me, Chicago is a very healing city. It scares me to think what dark hole I would still be in if I hadn't moved or gone through some of the things I've been through here...and I've been through more here than I ever did in South Carolina. I get asked everyday if I'm happy with my decision to move here and any regrets? There are none. I am so happy. Yes, I miss my family when I can't just get in the car and ride down the street to see them but it is what it is. As long as I keep sending gifts then it's fine! **Ralphie grin**

So, enough with the sap. Here is the year in pictures! Here's to a great 2013! I hope I get a boyfriend. I won't. Wait, be more positive. Yay boys! Happy New Year y'all!

January: One of the first snows!

January: That's a lot of snow, man.

January: We learn my new nephews names!!

January: There are cute men on the train! K. 

January: How snow comes down in one day in Chicago. Poor gnomes.

January: Jessica's first baby shower! Yay twins!

February: NEW APARTMENT!!

March: Welcome to the world, Anderson and Baney, my awesome nephews!

March: In love

March: St. Patty's day in Chi!

April: Steve broke a nail. LOL 

April: I joined a kickball league and met some awesome ladies!

May: Braves VS. Cubs at Wrigley Field! 

May: Mom and Dad came to visit! This is me and Mom on the architectural boat tour!

May: Daddy Mike in Chicago!

June: My best friend, Andrea, came to visit. (P.S. She's expecting in May 2013! AAHHH!) 

June: Ran my first AND LAST half marathon!

June: One of the funnest days of my life tailgating and going to the Jimmy Buffett concert!

July: Got to go home to see my nephews!

July: A trip to the beach with the fam and Morgan! One of my favorite pics of all time with her!

July: Fripp Island with Katie and MLC

July: Jen T. and Katie came to visit. What up, Bean. 

July: Wrigleyville with Jen T. and Katie!

July: Cubby Bear! 

July: And don't forget the new friends we made at Bobby Love's!

September: Back home at Lake Murray for Labor day!

September: My first SEC game in two years...Vanderbilt at Northwestern!

September: Went to Normal, IL to meet Miss Olivia!

October: My birthday trolley!! 

October: Too much fun on the birthday trolley!

October: WAAAYY too much fun on the birthday trolley!

October: Barb's wedding!

November: Reunited with Morgan for Thanksgiving! 

November: And reunited with these cuties for Thanksgiving!

November: Miss Priss and her Princess 3rd Birthday party!

December: New boobiesssssss!

December: Waiting to go in for surgery!

December: Christmas with my three favorite people in the whole entire world!

December: Christmas. What else matters when you have this?


2013 is gonna be the best year yet! I feel it!