The Holidays and Looking Back at 2012

Wow how time flies!!

I remember when I was growing up and adults would always say, "you've gotten so big," or "you're so grown up." I told myself back then that I would never become one of those people.

Well, guess what?

I've become one of those people.

I don't know what it is about coming home for the holidays, but you see so many familiar faces, yet manage to associate those people with certain times in your own life. Like for me...I went to church and saw the "kids" I used to watch in the nursery or play with as babies. Now - they're in high school and driving! Ahhhh is this real life?

I can't believe how fast time goes by. It forces you to look back and remember your past, which can be both good and bad. Regardless, there are plenty of memories when you return to the place that you lived for the majority of life.

This holiday season was no exception. One of the best parts of my trip home was seeing all of my friends from high school. What I realized was how at this point in life, it doesn't matter what year you graduated or even if you really hung out with these people all the time in high school. You all end up hanging out together now and acting like you've always been friends and known everything that's going on in their lives. I hung out with people that were seniors in high school when I was in 8th grade. When I was that young, I only knew names, but never hung out with the seniors. Now it's like we all know each other and we've always been friends. I guess it's just the small town of Abingdon that brings us to the same places where we can chat and catch up for hours!

The holidays are the best. It's the perfect time to relax with family, see people you haven't seen in what feels like years, and reminisce about the past year.

2012 was a tough year. It brought a lot of adversity and really made me put things into perspective. It's hard when people close to you go through trying times. Cancer, deaths in the family, and other worries plagued this year. That's when you start to think about what other families are going through when it hits your own. You never know what's happening in people's lives or how they handle disappointments, but it sure does make you appreciate a lot that's taken for granted sometimes.

Although 2012 was a tough one, I grew a lot. My faith in the Lord became an even bigger part of my life. When people close to you are going through tough times, how can you not believe that God will help you get through it. Without my faith, I don't know how I could have handled everything this year. And it gives me hope for a better 2013.

A year is a long time. Even though it was a tough one, there were still a lot of great things that happened in 2012.

If we look back to this time last year, there was so much excitement surrounding the new year. It was deemed 2012 - they year to delve...into what you love! (Me and my catchphrases...get excited for 2013's!)

The year flew by, but a lot of positives resulted. I started my job at Paramount in 2012, and I met SO many amazing people. I know I'll have friends that last a lifetime from this job. I also started writing for Spotlight Country and realized my passion for wanting to be a country host/correspondent. And, I also began hosting at AfterbuzzTV, which has been an amazing experience as well. I've gotten to meet even more great people and even managed to interview some pretty cool celebs!

Let's see...I went to Vegas for the first time this year. And then I went two more times after that! ;)

Three of my besties married the loves of their lives and I got to celebrate that with them. And a bunch more of my friends got engaged, so we know what that means for 2013!

I can't forget all the fun and new experiences I've gotten to have in the big ole city of Los Angeles. New restaurants, new people, celeb spotting, sightseeing, beaches and more. It's definitely been a year of firsts for me! We can't forget that I also turned 24 - the year to soar!

I'm thinking there's gonna be a lot in store for 2013! Watch out for my new year's blog. Shoot...there's not much time left!

Make the rest of 2012 the best it can be!!!

I hope y'all had a great holiday season and are ringing in the new year in style! :)


Always have faith!!

Life...you never know what's gonna happen!

Shew it sure has been a while! And so much has happened since I turned 24 (the year to soar, for those of you who may have forgotten)!

Thanksgiving has come and gone...

PS...I met Wilson Bethel in the airport. What a hunk! ;) He was on my flight on the way home for Thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know he's supposed to come on our after show for Hart of Dixie - great segueway into a conversation I must say. Also, the Dean from Community was on my flight. I see him around the Paramount lot occasionally, so that was kind of random as well. This is the FIRST time ever that I've had some celebs on my flight, so that was a pretty eventful redeye for me!

It was great to be at home for Thanksgiving and to catch up with family and friends. But as I titled this blog post, you just never know what may happen. My precious Meme passed away while I was home. How blessed I am to have gotten to spend an amazing Thanksgiving with her. She was the best grandma a girl could ask for and I will strive to be like her everyday of my life. It's nice to know there's someone looking down on me from heaven. Like I said, life is unexpected sometimes. That's why friends and family are so important. You never know what may happen, so take advantage of every moment life has to offer.

After I got back from home (and I can't believe I'm heading back there in like 6 days!!!), it's been a whirlwind of working, birthday parties, holiday parties and more! We had an awesome holiday party at AfterbuzzTV with Maria Menounos and another one with the UVA Entertainment LA alumni group last night. So much fun! And there are many more to come this weekend. Can't wait to celebrate! Slash it's about time I go Christmas shopping, huh?!

Happy Holidays everybody!!


Always have faith!!