Now, where did I leave off?

Hey friends and family! It's been a while! I originally decided to stop blogging because I felt like that was the only way a lot of people were keeping up with me. As much as I love some social media, I do actually value my friends and family checking in too! Long story short: I love you guys, please don't stop calling and texting!

It's been a nice break, but I won't lie, I have seriously missed writing! I just don't think my head was where it needed to be last year. Who knows where in the heck my head is at now, but I would have to say I'm in a much better place!

One of my friends recently said to me, "I love your facebook statuses! You're so funny! You should blog!" my response was "ha! that's because you didn't know me a year ago!"

Thankfully, I've put all that in the past and have a very happy life, but more importantly, a very happy attitude!

So what have I been up to? I'll just recap the first few months of 2013

I rang in the New Year with my wonderful friend, Lori. We danced, we sang, we toasted.  It was the perfect way to start 2013! 

In February, we celebrated Jillian's birthday. Samantha was in Australia, but we brought her along for the festivities anyway

I attended a "Take Back the Night" rally at Campbell University with Danny and Rachael. That would be the Campbell Camel behind us

At the end of February, I visited Ashley and her fiance, Ryan, in Chicago. Ashley asked me to be the Maid of Honor in her wedding this October! Many many posts about that to come, I am sure! 

In March, I taveled to Arizona to visit my longtime friend, Sheena while her husband was deployed. We hiked Camelback Mountain- my first time making it to the top! I couldn't have asked for a better vacation, or better company! 

While I was in Arizona, I also got to see my sister and her family, since they were there for Spring Training. Obviously I love some sister time! 

I celebrated St. Patrick's Day like the Irish Girl I am- very hard! I had a great time with all of my friends in downtown Raleigh. Now if only I could remember the whole day...

I had a good old fashioned slumber party with Jillian, Carol, and Rachael. And by old fashioned, I mean we drank wine, gossiped with Rachael's mom, Jean (who we love!), walked up to Wakefield tavern with red solo cups, caused a scene at the 40 and over bar, then had a massive dance party well into the early morning 

My parents were kind enough to let me visit them for Easter this year. It was the perfect weekend of fun and relaxation. I spent the majority of the weekend with just the two of them, and it was exactly what I needed 

However, while home I did make time for my best friends, Kelley and Katie....and some homemade rum...and funk music....and well you know how it goes from there

 Rachael, Carol, and I did a Color Mania 5k in April. It was awesome! By the end we were all sneezing pink for days. Carol's hair was stained for a good week.

Finally after what felt like forever (or 4 months, whatever), Samantha came back home! Elyse, Rachael, Michael, and I went to the airport with her boyfriend, Greg, to greet her. Look how tan she is. And it's real. It's hardly fair 

It is finally Durham Bulls Baseball season again! I've only been to two games so far, but can't wait to spend summer nights at the field rooting for my brother in law's old team- and my new home team!

And of course, I have spent some much needed time with my favorite man, Blake. Nothing makes my heart as happy as he does  

Jillian and I have now established Sunday Fundays. Once the weather warms up, we will be spending as many weekends at the pool as possible, stay tuned for hilarious stories to come

Samantha and I are going to be roommates come June! I am so excited to be living with one of my best friends! I can't wait to have someone to hang out with, and who will force me to eat one new veggie a week (yes, that was in our terms and conditions to be roommates....obviously that's the Samantha Clause....)

And Finally, I am spending time with JARS (Jillian, Ashley, Rachael, Samantha). These three girls are my NC equivalent to the QHC at home, and I am so thankful to have them in my life! 

So there you have it! My life up until now! It involves a lot of friends, family, changes, and laughter! I am so excited to see what else 2013 brings me. I can't believe it's already been as good to me as it has! 

Thanks for bearing with me last year, guys. It took a while, but I am back to me and happier than ever! I wouldn't be here without the love and support of the people around me.