2009

Another year has passed. Tomorrow it will be 2010 (I keep saying oh-ten). This year has been full of changes for me.
Last year at this time, I had just graduated from college and I was living in New Jersey. I had just started my job as a nanny to three wonderful children. In the next couple of months I grew to love the family and learned a lot about caring for small children (specifically two year olds ;)) On the weekends I ventured into the Big Apple for a taste of city life. This small town girl would sit in wonder and just watch the hustle and bustle go by. My favorite sandwich shop, which had a place in Penn Station, sold these fabulous pesto, mozzerella, and tomato wraps. Paired with a bag of Sun Chips, this was the picnic lunch that I would bring with me to Central Park.
Although I was still really missing my friends from college, there was a certain amount of freedom I found in spending my free time alone- with a book, or taking walks. Little did I know that at the beginning of March, somebody new would enter my life. His name is Matt, and he was my friend while I was in college. (He doesn't believe me, but I had a crush on him. Using woman's intuition, I always thought he would make the perfect husband to me...) I made a trip back to school for a small reunion and saw him again. Things were different this time around though. I noticed that I had more fun with him then I had ever realized before. On my flight back, he called me. The rest, they say, is history.
By the time summer rolled around, I was pumped to spend a couple weeks on the Jersey shore. I had already realized that I needed to move back home in order to pay for my student loans, so it was bittersweet as well.
I attended one of my best friend's wedding in Kentucky, which was such an incredible time. It was surreal to be back with my girls from college, but at the same time, as natural as riding a bike.
Another notable event took place near the end of summer. There was a moment that I looked at Matt and realized that absolutely, without a doubt, he was The One for me. And with that realization, I smoked my last cigarette because it suddenly became more important to be alive and healthy for Matt and our future children than anything else.
After a very sad goodbye to my New Jersey family, I came back home and started searching for a new job. After graduation I had dreams of writing for a living, but had changed my main interest to child care. Now I work at a day care. I love the job and I love living at home with my family. But most of all, I love being THE FUTURE MRS. SMEBY!!
What a year! What a great life :)