Mission: Twenty Twelve

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year-- it's so fresh, new and full of promises.

What an incredible feeling, huh?

Like every person, I have made my resolutions that I have promised myself to keep. Although, to be honest, everyone's resolution should simply be: to promise to forgive themselves when they don't keep their resolution. A few minor slip-ups are okay, in my book...

I've made the same resolution as I do every year: Get bathing suit worthy. I have the incentive of a cruise over Spring Break to really help boost my enthusiasm for working out. I really do love working out, it's just the motivating that gets me every time. Because everyone makes this resolution of getting in shape, I am making a few more resolutions...

I'm committed to being more patient and to living up this year as carefree as possible and to taking more pictures and finally, to telling people how much I appreciate them. I know, a lot of promises to juggle. I can handle it. I think.

Twenty twelve is going to be a big year for me. I'm graduating. I'm leaving Chapel Hill. I'm going to live semi-independently somewhere in America I've most likely never lived before. I'm going on my first cruise. I'm going to be experiencing my last UNC Dance Marathon. I'm going to be saying "good-bye" to a life I've known for the last four years, and "hello" to a scary adult life filled with uncertainties.

Cue the "being more patient" and "living up this year as carefree as possible" resolution here.

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A little bit about my Christmas...

Collin learned quickly what a "surprise" meant... Of course, the entire family spoiled him rotten. Because he's the cutest.
 

 Heather and I constructed a very realistic candy train that Collin was very impressed with-- Or at least with how it tasted.

The most popular gift this year?? Well, a microphone that turned your voice into an elf's voice, of course. Also good for pretending you are one of the following: Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks, one of the munkins from Wizard of Oz,  or someone who consumed way too much helium.



And, I'll be honest with you. I am most excited because with my Christmas money, I bought something I've been wanting for a really long time.


 A Canon Rebel. Oh, hello sweet camera. I am no professional, but I am learning. And I've been promised lessons by several friends. So I think I'm prepared, and hopefully, my little blog-fetish will also benefit from it.

My poor dog has been photographed for the last 24 hours constantly. At this point, I am pretty sure she knows to be still when I bring my camera around. Good thing she's cute.

But today, Christmas got the axe and New Year was welcomed with open arms. We took down all the wreaths, Santas, trees, and snowflakes.

As much as I love Christmas and the feelings that surround the holidays, I honestly wasn't that sad. I'm ready for this year.

You wondered where Santa lived during the year? Just...the Dobbins house.
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And so back to 2012.

It will be easier with my new gear to keep my resolution about taking pictures. But my other three might be a bit more tricky. I need to not stress as much and enjoy the present. To not worry so much about the future, and to be thankful for what I have in the moment. And to appreciate everyone that has come into my life and those that will come into my life. Everyone enters your life for a reason, and I need to open my eyes to them.

Twenty twelve promises a lot of change. It might be a bit scary, but I know that it will be good change. Change that will most likely challenge me. I am capable and ready.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

P.S. Been playing around with the blog's background and I decided I like it simple without a lot of "distractions", but I'm going to keep playing around!