Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Have I Really Been Graduated a Year Already?!


So here we are a year after graduation and I’m finding myself wondering where the last year has gone?! I feel like it was last week that I was walking up to receive my diploma or we were saying our “goodbyes” in Daytona. It’s already been a year since my aunt and uncle got married and it’s been a year to this weekend since Ben graduated.

But I’m finding myself wondering, “What exactly has happened in the last year??” Well…I can answer this question in two words…”a lot.”

Over the last year, I have witnessed many marriages and friends moving away; I have witnessed my niece grow up and have her first birthday; Ben and I broke up for a short amount of time but ended up back together and I accepted a great job with a well-known company doing something that I can honestly say I highly enjoy. Over the past year, I have become better friends with some people who I have to admit I had put on a back burner during college and I have made great friends with new people as well.

However, not everything has been that great. Recently we found out Ben’s dad has cancer, which is spreading very quickly. I hate cancer. It’s the worst thing in the world and with no cure, I have decided with work to help raise as much money as possible to help find one. This fall we are participating in a “Light the Night” walk where we are raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. While Paul isn’t affected by either of these diseases, my uncle is battling leukemia and cancer in general unfortunately is no stranger to my family.

Ben is currently in Lawton, OK completing Artillery School where he is learning to work with all artillery weapons, but will specifically work with HIMARS. At the end of July, he is headed to San Diego, CA and Camp Pendleton where he will be a part of 5/11. So what does this mean for us? WELLLL I’m trying not to get too excited yet because I’m not heading out there until I find a job, but I am feeling hopeful. I believe I have enough connections that I can get my foot in someone’s door and find something I love doing. I’m even considering volunteering to take the company I’m currently working for out there with me. I really do like my job and would hate to leave it, but eventually I am going to have to make a sacrifice if I want to be with Ben and I’m ready. I told Nick I was going to have to stop shooting weddings with him, and while he was disappointed, he was very supportive in hoping I can continue with my photography career out there!

I am very excited to see what the next year brings me and where I end up and I hope you all will continue on this journey with me!