2014

Another year is almost gone. It feels like this year flew by, but then when I look back at graduation in May, it feels like it was ages ago.

Sadly, my year began on an unfortunate note. One of the first things that happened  at the beginning of this very unfortunate year was finding out that my dad had throat cancer. We soon discovered that it was highly treatable, which was excellent news, but cancer in any form is initially startling. This led to my father being off for a while, which was strange for all of us because both of my parents are very hard workers.

So, between Christmas and May I was basically just trying to survive high school, which was quite the task, and be supportive of both my mom and dad. Luckily, I did survive school. I don't know how I did it, but by some miracle I made it out alive. I graduated on May 30, 2014 and it was one of the longest and best days of my life so far.

Summer was pretty laid back, as I had already completed most of the forms for scholarships and school that I needed to. My last summer, as I thought of it (for what reason I don't know, because I have another one just like it headed my way in about five months) was a good one, thought I mostly just worked at Dairy Queen. I also got a new car, my dream car, a little silver VW Bug.

My room before my mom made
it into the cozy little abode it
is now.

Then came August, and it was time to start a whole new chapter of my life. I moved into my single room at Edinboro University with the help of my whole family (Literally everyone came- my parents, both brothers, and my sister in law). I adjusted better than I thought I would, and though I was originally skeptical about living in a traditional dorm, I wouldn't trade the honor's floor experience for anything in the world.

I had some great weekends here at home throughout the semester, and never once did I wish I had picked a school further away. Many a weekend I spent with my friends at Perkins until the wee hours and I got to spend a lot of time at Fresh Grounds too.

And here we are at the end of my first semester. I've compacted my year into one tiny post. I didn't want to bore you with the details, though a detailed report of 2014 would be easy. The harder details to provide are what I can take away from this crazy year. It was a really unique year that taught me how to deal with difficulties. Sometimes things happen that cannot be changed, and you just have to come up with the best possible solution. I learned that hard work pays off, and that 2 o'clock AM isn't really that late.

I'm really excited to see what next year brings. I start my first graphic design course in this coming semester, and I am ready to strive for excellence in a fresh set of courses. 2015 is going to be a great year. I'll see you on the other side.

1989 Secret Messages

Singers grow as they produce new music. Even knowing this, I am always hesitant when a new Taylor Swift album comes out. I was uncertain about Shake It Off, but if grew on me, just as the new singles always do. Then the album was released and I was hooked with one listen. I adore 1989, and I am so glad that Taylor pursued the direction that she did with her music. One thing that hasn't changed is the little hints that Taylor leaves us within the lyrics of her albums. She capitalizes letters and lets her fans string together her messages. I'm here to do the grunt work for you.

1. Welcome to New York- We begin our story in New York.
2. Blank Space- There once was a girl known by everyone and no one.
3. Style- Her heart belonged to someone who couldn't stay.
4. Out of the Woods- They loved each other recklessly.
5. All You Had To Do Was Stay- They paid the price.
6. Shake It Off- She danced to forget him.
7. I Wish You Would- He drove past her street each night.
8. Bad Blood- She made friends and enemies.
9. Wildest Dreams- He only saw her in his dreams.
10. How You Get The Girl- Then one day he came back.
11. This Love-Timing is a funny thing,
12. I Know Places- and everyone was watching.
13. Clean-She lost him but she found herself and somehow that was everything.