One year ago today

Hello dear readers!

One year ago today I began this blog here on blogspot.  A lot has happened in that year - it seems like a lifetime.  I came from not have finished a draft of my novel, to almost finishing a second.  I met and became friends with Leanna Renee Hieber (yes, Leanna, you will probably be on every highlight of my life - because you just continuously do awesome things), and I read her AMAZING books - which if I haven't said it already, GO READ THEM!  I went through my whole eighth grade year, which seems like it should make this seem like a long year, but it doesn't.  I read most of the Vampire Academy series...well 2 and 1/2 books, I think.  Blood Promise and Spirit Bound for sure.  Oh, by the way, I finished Spirit Bound this morning.

What else?  I made Power of the Pen traveling team - even won first place at one meet.  I made it all the way to regionals, which is a total blessing.  One of my teachers had twins, and everything went very well - thank God.  I've made a lot of new friends I probably otherwise wouldn't have before this year. 

I went on my first motorcycle ride, I guess I left that out when I've been blogging.  *My uncle now considers me a "Biker Chick".*  I saw my cousin for the first time since 2007, which was pretty cool.  I also got to see where I'll be living when I go to college.  *he-he*  My cousin, Jimmy deployed to Afghanistan for the first time, his third deployment.  He also came home on leave.  That was a good few weeks.

My sister turned two since I started this blog, but in 10 days, she'll be 3!  Maybe she'll finally be out of the terrible two's.  But I somehow doubt that 3 will be much better.  ;)  And in 6 days I'll be 14!  It doesn't seem like it's been a year since my birthday - it doesn't seem like it's been a year since I started this blog. 

I've also been blessed with several awards for my academic achievement in the 8th grade.  I'm now an Academic Hall of Famer in the Junior High Hall of Fame. =D  That, somehow, might be my favorite award, simply because it shows determination.  I got a nice plaque with my name on it and everything.  I wish I could share pictures of it and my other awards, but they not only have my name on them, but my teachers' names and my school's.  Bit too much information online about me for comfort.

I think I already said this, but I finished draft one of my novel in the time that this blog has been here.  Of course, it was mostly done when I started it.  I've grown a lot as a writer and as a person.  I've had people tell me I can't do things - or that they don't want me to do things - and I've pushed past them.  I'm going to go against everything I've ever said, but when I told you that you shouldn't have people like that in your life, I think I lied.  Because without people like them, I don't know if I would have as much drive as I do to reach my dream.  They believe I can do it, but they'd rather me not.  No naming any names.  But I just want to say, I like to prove people wrong and I'd like to say thank you (if you're reading this).  Honestly, I'm not mad, no matter how this may sound.  I'd really like to thank you.

Oh, and, of course, I set up a new blog.  Which you should totaly check out.  :D  http://www.twoteensonedream.blogspot.com/ It's kind of amazing.  Just sayin'.

So, I must go and clean now.  :(  Yes, dear readers, it's that time of year when cleaning comes into my life.  *Birthday party for me and my siblings this weekend!*

With eternal love and blessings,