2010: A Look Back

I was originally planning on having one of my guest blogger posts today, but I felt compelled to go a different route instead. Don't fret, Sarah and S will be here on Monday/Tuesday with their excellent posts for you all to enjoy!

Today, I wanted to take a look back at 2010 and all of the wonderful things that encompassed it.

For me, this year has been one of finding my true self again, strengthening my relationship with God, making new friends, having amazing experiences and, for the first time in my life, learning to live in the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

2008 was the year where I started my first "big girl job" and learned to be an independent woman. I learned important lessons like how to renew car tags, fix leaky toilets, decorate a 6' x 12' cubicle and shop on a (gasp!) budget. I also learned the ropes of cutting coupons and how to distinguish between "I really want it" v.s. "I really need it".

2009 was a year of change. I learned that my plans don't always match God's. I learned to fly free as a single lady. I realized the value of my friendships. I realized that being happy with myself had to come before being happy in a relationship; essentially, I got reacquainted with Leslie. 



Impromptu photo shoot during my first week as a single lady in '09 : )

 
2010 was the year that, for the first time in my entire life, I let go and let God steer the ship. I learned that stressing about tomorrow, next week or next year is useless and that the present can be pretty incredible if we learn to live in it. I reconnected with old friends, grew this little blog, made new friends through said little blog, took a long-awaited road trip with Miss Dee, travelled to some cool places and...

 somewhere in the midst of all that, met a pretty amazing guy : )

A few especially memorable things:

The Celebrate Arkansas magazine article in July about A Blonde Ambition. It's nerdy, but this was so exciting for someone that started her blog on a whim and never expected for anyone other than her momma to read it.

For a couple of days, I felt like a celebrity. Then I remembered that I'm just a girl who works at an office and watches Ghost Whisperer re-runs and bakes cookies on Saturday nights and then I felt utterly un-cool again ; )

I went to California with my family and saw places like San Francisco, Napa, Cambria, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles.

I redesigned my blog.

I got involved in a great church.

I re-newed my love of working out.

I met S.

Saw one of my favorite bands, NeedToBreathe at the Ryman.

Paid a visit to Mr. Cash and Mrs. Carter-Cash.

Went to the hollowed ground known as Sun Studios in Memphis.

Survived my first blizzard.

Started my personal styling business.

Drank more Starbucks lattes than any one girl should.

...and lots more.

Sometimes when I get anxious about what tomorrow will bring, I just take a look back at this past year and remember just how blessed I have been. I remind myself to sit back, Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand, and enjoy whatever today brings.

Here's wishing all of you girls a fabulous 2011. Above all, may you find comfort and true happiness in yourselves!

Be blessed, lovelies-