A year ago yesterday I returned home from my mission in the deep south. I loved that I was able to serve the people in Mississippi and Louisiana. I learned so much and I continue to learn new things each and every day. I suppose I want to take this time to review my year to remember some of the highlights.

When I first got home I had to relearn to be myself without the nametag. That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I felt awkward and uncomfortable around everyone aside from my sister. I had to come to terms with a lot of things that had changed with my family and friends. I guess I had this idea that things at home would be the same as when I left. I felt like my life had been fast forward without my knowledge of it. 

I also had to get used to being back at school. It was good to be in a routine, but it was hard. I had one professor who challenged me on many different levels. He constantly belittled my religious beliefs in class and made fun of thoughts and ideals that my classmates and I shared. There were some in the class who shared his ideas, they made it difficult to want to go to class. I had to learn to stand my ground and keep what I knew to be true close to my heart. 

Raina and Kyle were my saving grace. We were always together. We didn't have to be "doing" anything, but it was so nice to be around people who loved me and cared about how I was doing. They helped me to become "normal" again. They were so patient, although they didn't hold anything back. They told me when I was being a weirdo.

During the summer I worked two jobs. Often times I would work over 50 hours a week. I was tired all the time, however I had to put on a happy face for customers everyday. Hard work is something that I have and always will admire in people. My dad describes it as grit. I think that is the perfect way to think of it. He also says I have a lot of it. Perhaps he's right, I hope so. 

Hard work is a lesson that I have continued to learn every day. It comes from school and from different jobs. I just got hired at a new job, this makes number five this year and number three at this time. I did the math, and if I'm right next semester I will be working on average 25 hours a week at these jobs. Add to that being a full time student who strives to get A's in every subject. It will be a challenge, but the best kind of challenge. 

I'm going to switch gears a little. Boys. Boys can be great, but they can also suck a lot. There have been a few this past year that have done a number on me.

When I first arrived home, one elder told me he was in love with me. I believed him and I got my heart broken just a little. One day he was calling me love, beautiful, his sweetheart, then the next day he had a girlfriend. It took me a long time to open my heart up to someone new. 

In May I went on a few dates with another guy. He stole my first kiss. Sometimes I think about what happened with him and what could have been if we only lived closer to one another. I don't know if I would have been happy with him or not. 

There was one that I went on a date with this summer. He was very shy and timid, but her was my favorite date this summer. I actually texted him first. It was the most bold I've ever been in my entire life. I never heard from him again and I wonder if I scared him away. I think I felt something special with him. But I suppose I will never know. 

I did have one boyfriend this year. It only lasted three weeks. I've come to the conclusion that I liked the idea of having a boyfriend more than I liked this boy. I guess it's a good thing I ended it soon. I think he wanted more out of the relationship than I did. His family started talking to him about rings and marriage. It really freaked me out. I know that I am not ready for that step in the least. Not for another five years or so. People always tell me that when the time comes I won't wait. But what they don't understand is that I am not like normal people. It takes me longer to trust someone, and to trust myself with that someone. 

This past semester has been one of the best. I have been so blessed with wonderful roommates and friends. There has been no drama, fights, or anything of that sort these past months. That is quite amazing seeing as there are six girls who live her with all different personalities. I have come to love theses girls.

This year has had its fair share of hardships. But it has also had it's fair share of blessings. I am happy. Of course I still have those hard days, but they are becoming less frequent and easier to cope with. "Things are good" has become my new catch phrase. And I really do feel this way. things are so good. I have loved this year. Even with the challenges.

Things are good.

--Aubs