Not an Ordinary Monday

The title of this post definitely speaks volumes for itself: Today is not an ordinary Monday. You might ask why...well, it's the beginning of my Michael Jordan year! Today is my 23rd birthday! I cannot believe it's here. I truly feel like my 21st birthday was yesterday...time flies so quickly. Each year of life is truly such a gift that I never want to take for granted. I relish in the fact that I've been able to live such a full life in my short time here on earth.

That being said, I want to keep track of the memorable things 22 brought for me. Things I'll always remember, cherish, and think back to.  Some things are small, everyday, memories and some are grandiose events that will go down in my book of life. Each event is so special to me because it brought me to 23. So without further adieu, here are 22 things I'll remember about 22...

1. I graduated from the best University in the entire world...Clemson! Graduating from college is something I often take for granted because I never gave myself the option to not a) go to college and b) not graduate. But nonetheless, it's an accomplishment that I'll always remember. 

2.  Accepted a job in the financial industry in January before graduation. I'm so thankful I was able to find and secure a job before graduation so that I could enjoy the rest of my senior year!

3. I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, a new city. It has to do with #2. Starting from scratch in a city where your family isn't nearby and you don't have any friends is intimidating. But I absolutely adore Charlotte and can see myself here for a long time. Read about my move here.

4. I talked about this a lot on my blog but passing the Series 7 and 63 for my job has been one of my largest accomplishments to date. This took an incredible amount of work. Read about the joy I felt after passing the exam here.

5. I crossed 2 countries off my bucket list by visiting Belgium and Spain. Read about my trip here, here, here, and here.

6. When I was moving to Charlotte, I didn't have anyone to room with. I joined roommates.com on a whim (I'm not kidding) and met this girl.

I would've never imagined that putting myself out there on a roommate website would lead to such a great friendship!

7. I knew that when I moved to Charlotte I would have to search to find a church I could call home. It only took my first Sunday to realize I found the perfect spot for me at Elevation.

8. I went to my first Panther's game! Go Panthers, keep pounding!

9. I started off my sports' kick around Charlotte by seeing the Knights play.

10. I went to my first NBA and first Hornet's game. Are you noticing a sports' theme? :)

11. This past weekend I went to see my Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship and they WON!! They are #1 in the playoff rankings and headed to the Orange Bowl!

12. See above...I went to 5 Clemson games this season to cheer them on to 13-0!

13. I traveled with my college roommate to San Diego and Las Vegas. Read about our trip here and here.

14. Before I started my job, I spent sometime with my parents by going zip-lining in Asheville. Read about it here!

15. I colored my hair for the first time...I talk a little bit about my decision here.

16. I seem to go in themes...I donated my hair for the 2nd time to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

17. I made a huge leap and followed my heart to start this blog. I was so worried that it would be a huge flop but I've enjoyed it immensely. I'm thankful for each and everyone of you.

18. I got my pet fish, Matt-Lauer. 

 

19. I added 5 more holes to my ears all within 8 months. Sorry about that, Mom and Dad!

20. Decorated my first real apartment. You can read about my bed here.

21. I spent a lot of "ordinary" time with my favorite people, my family. Memories that I will never forget. I wrote about our weekend here.

22.  I coordinated Christmas dinner and decor for the first time by myself. I can't wait to continue that tradition.

22 was so good to me. But I have a feeling that 23 is going to be my best year yet. I cannot wait to share my new adventures with all of you. Have a great day! xoxo