Typically, I am not the kind of person to get sentimental about a new year. A year is just a year to me. The only thing that changes is the date I write on my checks. However, I have realized that this year has been an exceptionally big one for me and deserves some reflection.

2012 in Review

My Dad got remarried and I gained a step-mom and three new step-sisters whom I adore.

After four years of hard work, I graduated from SMU with honors and went out with a bang.

I had my last ever “incident” as a Resident Assistant.

I experienced the joy of unemployment.

I spent two weeks gallivanting through Scotland and London.

I moved to Houston and, for the first time ever, got to start a life of my own.

I started my first fulltime job at FKM as a Copywriter, a position I’d been aiming for since 9th grade.

In the past 7 months, I’ve already gotten to do so much in the ad world…including writing this video:

I got to watch four of my friends get married – and was even a bridesmaid in one of the weddings.

After 20 years of being a Christian, I finally took the plunge and got baptized at my church in Houston (Ecclesia) and got to celebrate the event with my new church family and small group.

I moved out of my first (temporary) apartment and into a new one with my first “real” roommate (womb-mates don’t count).

I’ve made new friends that have blessed my life in so many ways.

And these are just the highlights. I’ve learned so much about myself this past year. I’ve had ups and downs, experienced losses, successes, failures, joys, and pain. I thank God for every lesson I’ve learned these past 366 days (leap year, y’all).

Although I never expected to be where I am today, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And I can’t wait to see what’s in store in 2013. 

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.