20 lessons it's taken me this long to understand

Just a short reflection at the end of 2010 of lessons I've learned so far in my "young" life.

20) Being a double major in two of my favorite areas of study would be sooo freaking complicated.

19) Life changes entirely too fast the older I get. I absolutely cannot believe how different my life is from two, or even one, year(s) ago!

18) Taking chances and sacrificing are 100% worth everything when all is said and done.

17) Some people really are "seasonal". Other people can also be a "semi-seasonal" person.

16) Relationships take on a pace of their own. Most of the time, it's far better to let relationships run their course than to force something, whether it's for the good or bad.

15) It just feels better to give than to recieve. Charities are a great resource to those who need them. Never feel obligated to give to an organization just because others do. It's more important to give to an organization, or multiple organizations, that you are truly passionate about.

14) Not everyone does something for instant gratification or to get something in return. A lot of times, people do things because they actually care.

13) I never thought I would miss competing in pageants so much! I don't think I miss anything as much as I miss loading up a bajillion outfits, suitcases of makeup, hair stuff, butt glue, double sided tape, about 6 pairs of shoes,etc into my car to compete for titles such as "Miss Route 66". Although I never won a crown, I came close enough to winning to pay for a significant amount of my higher education along with countless other benefits. I.WISH.I.COULD.GO.BACK!

12) Sometimes all it takes is being in the right place, at the right time, with the right person(or people) for your life to change forever.

11) I never realized it would take me this long to reach my full academic potential.

10) Sometimes, you just can't win. And that's okay.

9) I never imagined that I would actually have a pet rat. Even though she's ruined quite a bit of my things, I still like her.

8) There will be times when the things I do just arent enough for some people. Those people are not worth being done for, either.

7) I never realized just how many times people would expect for me to be their puppet. I can't read minds, so there will be times when I don't know what people want from me.

6) I never thought this would be an uphill battle.

5) I never realized that there are people in my life, past and present, who would use me for their benefit.

4) It's okay to let friends go, who seem to be able to invite everyone else to their son's first birthday party in advance, yet they call you and mention that they "forgot" to invite you to the party. It starts in two hours. Yeah, those people aren't really "friends"...

3) Always be around to listen to friends and family. Listen to those people who also just need someone to talk to.

2) Be pleasant to the people in my life. I never know when I will need them and they won't be there.

1) No matter what, appreciate the things I have in my life. Take full advantage of the opportunities that I have.

Loving Every Minute Of It

Delicious tray of deviled eggs and such on Thanksgiving

Hayden figured out the remote :)

Mi amor

The family