when i was 18...

i planned on writing a blog on new years eve telling all that had happened over the past year. But something kept me from completing it, it just didn't feel like the right time. Then recently(the thought of a blog had escaped me) a friend of a friend wrote a "when i was 18" note on facebook and the lightbulb went off. I know this year will go down in the history of my life as one of the best not only because i had lots of fun and did lots of new things, but for the first time on my birthday i can look back on the year and look at the positives and overlook the negatives(or even spin them into a positive)and ill actually be a little sad to see its over knowing it wont be topped if even matched for ALONG time if ever SO....

WhEN I WAS 18:

I hung out with Liz for the first time, attended my first college course (history w/liz) and saw my first waterfall all in the same day :D ((alright this was about a month before i was 18...but close enough and VERY huge so its here))

...i was able to leave the house without being afraid of having the cops called

....Went to my first and last school dance, Prom (and wore a dress for the first and last time in high school i was forced to go and to dress up...but it was a good time)

....Walked across the stage at graduation (which was thought to be impossible just a few weeks before due to insomnia/depression issues)

.....Moved out of my parents house and in with 4 friends (Second Chance by shinedown was my song from before i was 18. and needless to say it was blaring on the radio when i pulled out of the driveway)

.....Did the right/ responsible thing and moved BACK into my parents house to save myself from the living situation i was in.

in the process i had a relapse after 7 months...but on July 2nd 2009 was the last relapse.

....I went on my first road trip with liz which was to the fair in wausau where Flyleaf was playing

(also the night i really started thinking about becoming a Christian knowing how much God had been pushing me)

....Went to my first Isaiah 42:10 concert and met my dear friend Abbie for the first time :D (along with the rest of the Isaiah Gang)

....in mid-late august i really opened my heart to Jesus. i was ready to let him in after a day with Liz after we got our AWAKE packages, going to an Isaiah show then spending hours at Ihop in the middle of the night. Twas also the first night i felt i truely belonged somewhere.

.....August 26th. i went to my first ever Tom Stamman meeting which is were i offically accepted Christ. The beginning of my new life :D (and got stalked by a quick trip truck all the way home :p)

....I took a step in my faith and went on a road trip with Isiaih 42:10 WITHOUT Liz, being shy i took lots of walks and was quiet a chimney that day. Isaw my first vow renewal for a couple that had been together for 25 years (it gave me hope for Love and marriage) and in the end i got closure on my past S-I and officially gave that burden to God. i also believe it was the first time God spoke to me...well the first time i understood Him and listened. it was amazing.

this little boy came up to me at the dove ceremony, waited for me to pick him up then just rested his head on my shoulder and quit crying...it made my heart melt

...got a job close to home that i actually liked.

....drove 2 hours to hang out with Abbie for the weekend for the first time (by myself) and had a great time

...celebrated my first TWLOHA day "sober"

....and lastly (for now cuz im having a brain fart) is of course my first Christian concert. Val liz and i met up in the dells and headed for Green Bay,wi. When we got there we were over 3 hours early so we took a walk then sat on the hood of my car just talking (and saying hi to the band memebers that would walk by :D) We then saw satellites and sirens, Decyfer down, and of course DISCIPLE :D :D :D it was a truely changing experience and the car ride home was just as special. Music, talking, crying, and the stars.

(((i will be adding at least a few more memories once i can get on my computer)))