The One with the Celebratory Dance

When I finished my last exam yesterday, I calmly got out of my seat and placed by scantron on my professor's desk. I told her to have a "Merry Christmas" and slipped out of the classroom. I slowly and quietly closed the door behind me, making sure that I would not disturb anyone by my leaving. Then I stopped. And I broke out in the biggest celebration dance. People could totally see me through the opaque glass.

Whatever. 

I then went and threw away all of my notes. No, I am not kidding. Best. Feeling. Ever. 

It's been 85 days since I last wrote. Like, Kim Kardashian got married and divorced in the time it took me to post. But I have good reasons, okay? I've been participating in some celebrations. 

We often think that celebrations center around Christmas, birthdays,  and other special occasions. But I have decided and started living by the idea of  celebrating everyday. Simply because everyday is an accomplishment. Everyday teaches you new and exciting lessons in life that you just HAVE to be thankful for-- So, celebratory dances are vital.  

Let me give you some examples.

I watched as 2,000 UNC students pledged to stand on their feet for the patients and families at the N.C. Children's Hospital.

I saw a group of Volleyball champions, er, players take the court and laugh about it afterwards.

I saw a committee of 35 become friends over stuffing ice cream in their mouth during a Ben and Jerry's Vermonster Competition all for the kids.  Oh, and take on dodgeball...

Oh, and take on dodgeball...

I witnessed thousands of Carolina fans giving their dollar or two to help a good great cause.

I danced when I realized that fourteen strangers had totally turned into family within a short couple of weeks.

I celebrated with friends the arrival of my one year anniversary of my 21st birthday.

I was motivated by a little boy in a Carolina football helmet who made it out of N.C. Children's Hospital healthy and happy!

I heard this little boy go from barely able to say my name to saying, "Good-bye Carrie" to me at dinner. And turn 21 months yesterday, I might add. Santa is about to spoil him rotten.

I saw the beauty of Fall take over the campus....

...Followed shortly by the beauty of Christmas.

So many celebratory dances. So much to be thankful for tonight.

I took "a day" today. Don't worry, I was your typical get-as-much-as-you-can-done-today-Carrie, but I did it at a reflective pace. I kept music on all day.

And I danced.