2010: Come on, bring it on

Today is the end of a decade---the last day of 2009. Every year about this time I look back and reminisce of the year past. There are always good memories mixed with some I'd rather forget. This year is no different. As 2009 draws to a close, I think about all that I've done this year. I feel as if this year has been very successful and one of the best I have ever lived (well, I'm only 18, but still, it was awesome :)). Yes, I wasted time, but I feel overall I used the time I was given to the best of my ability.

I cannot express enough how grateful I am of this year. I feel I have grown mentally, emotionally, and spiritually more this year than I ever have before. God has taught me so many things this past year that without making mistakes that I made, I might not have ever learned. I definitely made some wrong decisions this year, but nothing to big; just small lessons throughout that have added up.

In 2009 I became very close to two of my best friends, Emily and Micah. I have also been given the opportunity to become closer to friends I did not know as well before this year. I hope in the year to come I will get to know these people even better!

Now that 2010 is here I can't believe it. This year I'll be graduating, starting college, turning 19, and who knows what else. Right now I'm looking at 2010 as daunting and scary but I know it won't be that bad. Emily wrote an entry in Smiley last night that I feel is very accurate. She talked about how this past summer we (me, Emily, and Micah) were all pushing adulthood out of our minds. But as soon as Micah entered college, I entered my senior year and Emily her junior year, we all became adults in our own way. Whether we wanted to or not, we were forced into becoming adults. Not completely, but the level of maturity required of us is much higher now. Yes, we're all immature at times and still enjoy the same childlike activities we did this past summer, but we all know deep down inside that we're older. However, I think adulthood isn't as bad as we feared. Yes, it is intimidating, but it also has new advantages. I'm looking forward to the new adventures that await for me this year. I know I'll be experiencing more new things than I ever have before; the largest being moving out of my house and into a dorm, away from my family.

Although I still worry about friendships in Chattanooga while I'm away at school (whether that be Covenant or Northeastern, or wherever), I know that I can keep in touch. My friendships with people who went away to school this year proved that. I did loose friends, but I kept in touch with three very dear friends. Leaving home will prove who my true friends are and I know they'll always be there for me whenever I need them.

As I write this I am realizing that part of me still dreads what's to come, but a greater part of me welcomes it wholeheartedly. My whole life I've wanted a change and now that it's right around the corner I'm scared. But I refuse to let myself stay this way. I plan to take what's to come with an open mind and with God in full focus. I know He'll lead me where I'm supposed to go even though I have no idea where that is.

2010 will be great. I know it will. I'm ready for an adventure and I think this year offers plenty of it.

Well friends, until 2010, adios! :)

*New years resolutions will be posted tomorrow.*

-Sara Nade

"Chestnuts and fire, holly and hay, Jesus and Mary, what a great day!"

Today is Christmas eve. I can't believe it. In a couple of hours I'm leaving to go to my grandparents' house in Dalton for our big dinner and presents and all. I'm excited. :)

I still don't know if we're going to a Christmas eve service but I hope we do.... It won't seem like Christmas without it. :/

Also, I just found out that my dad's old friend's daughter used to date Stephen Jenkins. Which made me pretty happy. Even though he was probably a creep.

Anyway, I'm off to being Christmas festivities! :) Merry Christmas everybody! :)

-Sara

p.s. I love my friends. That picture is of our AWAD get together. Good times..... :)

Don't waste your life you freakin' moron!

Life------

It's such an odd thing. Always changing, never the same. The constant motion of life is what makes it so intriguing.

Having been on this earth for 18 years, one week and 3 days, I have concluded two things:

1. I have accomplished a lot.

2. I have accomplished nothing.

Yes, those two contradict one another----that's the point. So far I have had a very full life..... or so I like to think. I have had the opportunity to experience more things than many people ever get to in their entire life. On the other hand, I feel as though there is more I could be doing (like I have said a million times before).

The day of my 18th birthday was one I had dread for 17 years and 364 days. I woke that morning in a horrible mood that was partly due to the fact I was wallowing in self pity. I had come to realize that I was no longer a 'kid' by law. At heart I was and am and will always be. But the fact that I was now FULLY responsible for myself was more than I wanted to deal with or even think about (and still is).

However, with growing up comes benefits too. Small things that I'm slowly starting to realize. I'm trying to decide if the pro's of being and adult outweigh the con's. That's something that I will decide later......

I have yet to do something that only 18 year olds can do. Except for going to the mall on weekend nights and driving past 11 PM. The other night I got to see Micah (who is home for Christmas break!!!!) for just a few seconds and he asked what I had done that only adults can do. I answered with "nothing" and he quickly suggested we change that soon. I have no idea what he has in mind, but I refuse to smoke or get a tattoo (which I doubt he'll recommend haha).

Although I have wasted time the past 18 years, I feel I have done a few things right.....

Here are a few:

1. At the age of 5 I gave my life to Christ. Although my walk with Christ is something that I am constantly challenged with, it's well worth it. God is continually showing me his grace and forgiveness is every aspect of my life. I could live forever on this earth and never realize all He has done for me.

2. I have begun and maintained friendships with people who are very dear to me. I know I say that all the time, but God has truly blessed me when friends who care about me and are there for me whenever I need prayer, or whenever I want to talk, laugh, or hangout.

3. God has spared me from drama. Yes, I have had some in my life, but very little compared to many teenagers. Two things I am very proud of: 1, I've never had a boyfriend. 2, I've never been kissed. Many people would be ashamed of these, but I am very proud of them. :) Those are two things I take very seriously and am not willing to just give into.

Those are the three largest things that come to mind at the moment. I'm sure there are more but I'm tired and don't feel like sitting here staring at the screen any longer.

g'night all!

-Sara: AWAD-ee :)

Hot tea and composition examinations

Isn't it strange how coffee houses can make homework seem much more enjoyable?

A nice cup of hot tea and a warm, cozy coffee house makes everything much more bearable.

Let's hope I can make it through my last 2 exams.

"Raindrops keep fallin' on my head...."

I'm not sure why I have such an obsession with weather. Sorta messed up.... oh well.

Today was cold. :) Which I greatly love. Tonight and tomorrow it's going to be like 50 with POURING rain and hard winds. Sound fun, right? Why can't it be snow?

Anyway, today I was looking at a picture I took this summer. In it the wind was blowing and it was a summer day and the picture was taken in the shade. As I sat looking at the picture I was able to completely remember the moment the picture was taken. I could feel the warm summer breeze, feel the shade of the tree from the sun, and hear the noises of grasshoppers and other insects, birds, and random noises that make up summer. Right now I would give ANYTHING to feel a warm summer breeze! I love winter so much, but I greatly desire to feel a steady summer wind burst that brings the scents of summer with it. *sigh*

On the other hand, there is a slight chance of snow Saturday! :) haha I'll be keeping my fingers crosses! :)

Speaking of fingers, I was informed today I have very cold hands all the time.... I think I would like a muff. I've always wanted one because they are so sweet. Right now it sounds wonderful! haha

Anyway, have a loverly evening, all!

Until next time,

Silverdale Baptist Academy