oh, eight!

It's funny how New Year's Eve has changed in my mind.

The event itself has transformed through the years...

from thrilled min-parades with my cousins--banging pots and pans in the from yard, seeing our breath in front of us, almost as clearly as the sparklers in our hands. and the promise of a new  millenium...Then middle school happened, and there were basement dance parties wit sparkling cider, pixy stix, and hormonal raptures--excited to see what changes and social advancements would be made in the next year...Segue to high school, with the beginning of 'dress-up soirees', celebrating with friends and replacing sparkling cider with sparkling contraband, stolen from someone's parents, or something of the sort...But I'm beginning to realize that it's not the holiday that's changed me, just me. & my perspective. 

SO. this particular new year's eve, my perspective was one of cynicism. Upon reflection, I've realized that 2008 was a pretty jam packed year & that my life has changed significantly in a bunch of ways. I've been blessed with change, most of it good, and I feel like 09 may already be at a disadvantage. Or maybe I just don't like odd numbers... 

But regardless, I just figured I'd start at the very beginning (a very good place to start) and nostalgi-cise about what exactly went down this year, or transpired to make it so special...

The first picture of 2008. 

cue senioritis and teenage rebellion.

Oh yeah! Keep in mind, Mary Pat was pregnant 

& I was still an only child for the time being.

I tried skiing for the second first time. =)

This picture represents 'college search08'. This was about the time I decided against majoring in Musical Theater, and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Ironically, Chris and I would end up taking almost the same picture in October, when he came to visit me at Emerson.

Then this happened on March 6, 2008. And shocked everyone. It changed my life, just like Jake Revere did. Miss you darling.

St Patrick's day. mansion party. It made for a good story.

I spent so much time with this particular group of people. This picture is a result of too much stress, sleep deprivation, and an open costume room. 

Now entering the busiest 3 weeks of my life. 

42nd street!! April 10-12, 2008

& then THIS happened. a right of passage, of sorts...

The best moment of the year. without question

Sean James Smith, born April 22, 2008. 

My beautiful brother and I. 

He was born 3 days before my senior prom. 

oh, life. 

Senior Prom, April 25th.

ALSO, the day I found out I could go to Emerson, ending the college search!!

Choir trip to Chicago. May 1-4. One of the weirdest, dysfunctional weekends.

but still golden...

BUT i got to sing like THIS.

(oh yeah. i was in orchestra too. i dont have pictures of that.)

May 6th. My 18th birthday. 

My mom was still in the hospital. I got my tragus pierced. rad.

May 16th, Patriot Player's Talent Show, mem. Jake Revere.

This show kind of became my baby, & I was really proud of how it turned out.

Time for me to hand over the presidency. 

This montage makes me feel like Patriot Players was my whole life...

SENIORITIS. 

the only class I got an A in after skipping school and not doing ANYTHING.

NO MORE HIGH SCHOOL.

Graduation, June 18th.

oh yeah!! the torrential downpour that happened!!

(It makes for another good story.)

senior week.

Well I had friends. But now I have family. =)

A wonderful afternoon. 

Probably the best day of my summer. 

Penn's Landing with Kangda.

I got to spend time with 2 of my favorite people in the world.

& I had to start saying goodbye to things I wouldn't have in boston...

(insert picture of delilah, my beautiful 96 volvo)

Oh yeah!! I moved to the center of this beautiful city!

& I've met wonderful people, 

and been blessed with amazing friends.

I was a part of one of the best shows I've ever been in.

I watched history being made! & had one of the best nights since getting to school.

we'll skip to the holidays. this was rockefeller center, id never seen it before.

it ended the year with another first.

stay tuned for new years pictures, a quaint ending to a simply irreplaceable year. 

cheers to all. happy 09. =)