So much changes in a year

 So this was me a year ago. I wasn't all that happy. I had a lot going on and couldn't figure out how to get my life back on track. I knew something had to change because I didn't like who I was, and I didn't like how my life was turning out.
It was also at this time (January 2nd, 2012) that I realized I had royally messed up an amazing friendship I had with Gabe by giving him a letter telling him how I really felt. By this time, he hadn't talked to me since Thanksgiving.
I was traveling back to my mom's house a lot for sanctuary from where I was living in Eugene. Though I loved my jobs, I felt like I was doing nothing in my life because I wasn't in school like everyone else my age. I was working myself like crazy though. I had four consistent jobs that never let me rest. Even on my days off, I was still on call... and chances were, they would call.
As much as I miss my friends in Eugene, and as much as I miss my co-workers, the kids I watched after and a few of my bosses, I have to say that I am happy to be where I am today (January 2nd, 2013).
I am finally back in school, and doing better than I have ever done in the history of my schooling. I am realizing more and more each day who I am and that I am strong and confident. I will be starting my dream job of being a dance teacher on Monday thanks to a wonderful opportunity that was brought into my life. And, like I told Gabe on New Years when we were out watching the fireworks... I am happy to be his and that I never thought I would get the opportunity to be in his arms and say that I'm his. So much has changed in a year. I lost my "big brother"/best friend, and gained other close friends. I get to be with the guy that I've had my eye on since high school, even though a year ago he fell of the face of the planet in my life. My dad got married, my mom got a boyfriend. I started school and got back into dance.
As much as I went through this last year, I honestly am so thankful that I did. How blessed am I to have gone through all the hardships? They are the only way I learned how to be happy even in the darkest moments, because there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm excited to see what 2013 has in store for me. I'm sure there will be many more ups and downs with Gabe, but even those are starting to lessen as we get more of an idea of what each other wants from the other as well as what we want to give of ourselves. I'm sure that I'll stress more and more about school. I'm sure I'll fight with friends and parents. But you know what, each day is a new day and each experience is there to teach us. So bring it on 2013, I have a feeling it's going to be a good year for me. Full of smiles, joys, laughter and love.