I saw this idea on
Five Blondes and had a blast reading about all that had went on in their lives in the past decade. It inspired me to write my own. I was a bit worried at first that I would not remember 10 years back but as I started to write, the memories just came back to me so easily.
In 2000, I was in Grade 7 (yikes!)- a little keener at school who was very interested in Y2K and how the Millennium would affect us. I was very disappointed when 2000 rang in and all the hype turned out to be nothing. I was really good friends with my teacher and the Grade 8 teacher- I got called a Teachers Pet but I think my maturity level at this point was way beyond my years. I would keep in touch with these teachers years later! I was also the apple of my parents eye :)
In 2001, I graduated from Elementary school, cleaned house with academic awards and never looked back as I entered high school. I would meet my best friend *K*, who ironically was born on the same day as me- June 23rd! I loved being a new girl at school because all the older boys paid attention to you. It really was my "coming of age" in terms of becoming a young lady and entering the World of "Boys." High School was awesome.
In 2002, I was more concerned about being popular than I was with school but I still did really well at balancing both- or at least I tried. I soon realized that friends who I thought would be my best friends for life would stab me in the back. I quickly learnt to have a tougher skin when it came to chatty comments. I began to have my own true identify, stepping out independently on my own and not doing things just because everyone else was doing them.
In 2003, I became really close with the group of girl friends that I still remain best friends with today. I had my first fake ID which was an unbelievable feeling! I used it every chance I could, wherever I could. I was really into 4-H and cattle showing and met a boy who I loved who would eventually break my heart. I soon got over it- well after some time. I loved helping out on the farm and did this every summer as a job. My family remained a huge part of who I was and who I am do this day.
In
2004, it was my graduating year at high school. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get great grades so I could go to my first choice University (Guelph!) and get scholarships/awards. It all paid off as I got accepted to Guelph and paid for my first year of school with not one cent of my own money! I had my first boyfriend- the son of my dad's good friend. It was a dream come true at that point because we were from the same small towns and knew all the same people. My girl friend's and I partied every weekend and thought we were the coolest cats. Life didn't have the pressures and challenges that it soon would- we were just living wild and young (is that a line from a song or something?!) I also fell out with one of my best friends during Grade 12 as we lost touch with each other- I took this really hard.
In
2005, a milestone came for me in my young adult life- I was named the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs for Ontario as my hometown Norwood Fair Ambassador. It was an amazing year and the year that I consider really jump started my passion for making a difference. My brother was involved in a dirt bike accident that summer- he spent a month in Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. I went and stayed with him for a few days- we are lucky he is still with us today. That Fall, I started my first year of University which was the most amazing year of my life. I loved residence- I don't know how I did it- I hardly ever slept, drank and ate the worst beverages/food- didn't study and danced way too much! I broke up with my first boyfriend only a week into school knowing I was too young and just not into it- he was heartbroken. I still don't think he has gotten over it to this day :(
In
2006, the first day back to University to begin my second semester of first year, I met the boy of my dreams. He helped carry my bags into residence as I had taken the bus back with 2 huge bags that could have fit a small child in them. I got the courage to go back down a few days later and ask him (*A) out for coffee. The rest would be history- it will be 4 years in February :) I think when I first met him I used the word "smitten" and still to this day, I would be. On a sadder note, my dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma the day after I returned home for the summer. I had never saw my dad cry until that day. It was a really difficult time for my family but it reminded me of how much family means and comes together in desperate times.
In
2007, I returned back to school excited to start a new adventure in my own house at school although my heart still remained at home with my dad/family. I soon realized that all the fun and games of first year would not be the same in second year. People change. I took school a little more seriously but still managed to party almost 4-5 nights of the week with my best friends. Man we had so many great memories. I was glad to see Summer come though as I missed my family and friends although the downside to this was that I would have to say good-bye to *A* again for the summer when he returned home to Manitoba. I re-connected with the friend that I had fallen out with back in Grade 12. It was like we had never lost time between us and caught up very fast. I also won the Canadian Young Speakers in Agriculture Public Speaking Competition- another huge highlight for me. My dad would also be told he was in remission which was a huge blessing- he is still in remission to this day.
In
2008, I took on more responsibility during school as I became President of College Royal- an organization that I still hold dear to my heart. I don't know how I did it- it was like a part time job and I did 6 courses in the Winter semester. Surprisingly enough, I got great grades. At the end of the year, my best friend and I who had roomed together since first year decided that it would be best for our friendship if we lived with other people. I randomly went on a housing website and found a group of girls looking for one person to move in with-this would be one of the greatest finds/decisions I ever made. I would spend my last summer apart with *A* which got tougher each summer as we became closer. Summers also started to get tougher as I got older and had to live under the roof of my parents with their rules. I started my blog in October of that year and a highlight for me which gets mentioned often, is when I won Best Costume for
"Sarah Palin" that Halloween.
In 2009, I started my last year of University :( Sad I know. I had a heavy course load including taking 7 courses to finish my degree and get my Certificate in Leadership. Courses were a lot of work but I managed to get great grades. The girls I found and moved in with turned out to be great girls and awesome friends- they are the girls I still live with today. I traveled with my school Marketing team for a competition down in Atlanta, Georgia for a week at the end of school- it was beautiful down there! I graduated from University in June- it was a really weird time for me as I battled with reality to think that the best years of my life were now over. *A* decided to stay here in Ontario for the awesome job he landed (or for me I like to think)! I traveled to Europe in September for a month for a cattle show and to travel before returning to the full time job I have now.
The Next Decade- It is weird to think that 10 years from now, I will be 32 years old. I am in my prime right now! I expect (or hope at least!) the next ten years will bring along a house, paying off all my debt, marriage, maybe a baby?!, career advancement or at least finding a job that truly makes me happy each and everyday and of course- health and happiness :).
Phew, the last 10 years seems like alot went on. And I am sure I left out a whole bunch of details. This was an awesome recap- I had alot of fun writing this post. You should try it too- thanks for the idea Five Blondes!
