Twenty-Eleven Recap // Honest to Blog

No, I am not done summing up 2011. Sorry, but it was such a big year that I feel like I could go on and on about it! So I'm stealing my friend Christina's idea and doing a post about all the things I did and accomplished in 2011.

Last year, I sewed my first dress. And it was such a pain. So much so that that's the only dress I sewed last year. But I love how it turned out and I'm eager to start my new one now.

Last year, I flew across the country, all by myself. I was terrified, but I did it and I'm so glad I did, and I'm going to do it again lots more because I don't ever want to let something like that scare me.

Last year, I met two of my best friends in the whole world, and realized that - contrary to my opinion at the time - real gentleman do still exists outside the world of books.

Last year, I learned to appreciate the strong women in my life, and the impact they've had on me - especially my mom. I come from a family of very strong-willed women. If there's a job that needs to get done, or a hard trial to go through they go about it like it's a piece of cake, complaining very little, and I never even noticed. It took me getting out into the world more, and thinking outside the box to realize just how amazing they are. My mom took care of a toddler and a baby virtually by herself while my dad was in Bosnia for several months - twice. She also looked after me and my little sister all by herself while we were in early grade school since my dad had to take frequent trips. I never even thought about how hard it must have been for her, because she never once that I can remembered, ever showed any signs of it being anything more than daily trials everyone goes through.

Last year, I learned that even if friends have been friends forever, it doesn't mean that they won't at some point drift apart. But I also learned that even if friends drift apart for a while, it doesn't mean they won't come back and be even closer than before.

Last year, I realized that there is, in fact, some sci-fi that I do like (a phrase which here means "am totally obsessed with). I thought I would just try watching one or two Doctor Who episodes, but what do you know? It now ranks in my top three favorite TV shows ever. On that same note, I also found a new favorite actor (David Tennant).

Last year, I spend a weekend in Chicago with my mom. It. Was. A. Blast. During my early teen years my mom and I didn't get along real well. We didn't verbally fight but there was a lot of her telling me what to do and me sneaking around her back and doing it anyway. There was a lot of disagreeing and not talking. And while we still don't agree on everything, I can talk to her like I've never been able to talk to her before, and we're closer than we ever have been before. Getting to have her all to myself for a whole weekend was amazing and I really wish it could become a yearly thing.

Last year, I celebrated Beautifully Pure's first birthday. I now have over a year of my life documented on this blog. And while I'm still working out the kinks of when/what I want to post, I'm really happy with how far I've come and eagerly anticipating celebrating my blog's second birthday.

Last year, I got my drivers permit, and fell in love with driving. It is every bit as fun as I thought it would be. And I can't wait to get my drivers license so I can go on long, ambling drives all by myself.

Last year, I posted my first D.I.Y post on Beautifully Pure. I'm so proud of this. I've wanted to do a D.I.Y post for a long time, but didn't think I could. I worked really hard on this post, and I'm so happy with how it turned out.

Last year, I got to see one of my favorite bands live, and get a real concert experience. I've been to Celtic Woman (they used to be one of my top three favorite bands) twice before, but both of those concerts were at bigger venues, and the people who went were rather - boring. The Owl City concert was in a small college chapel, and the people there were more like normal people at a concert. It was a blast and my sister and I have already decided that we are going to the new Owl City concert that comes near our home.

Last year, I turned eighteen. I've waited my whole life to turn eighteen, and it feels amazing. I feel like I can go after any dream I want, and I'm so excited to start my adult life.

Last year, I wrote an eighteen before nineteen list. I've never done this before, but as soon as I saw Elsiecake's 28 before 29 list, I knew I wanted to do one. And what better time to start than after I turn eighteen??

Last year, I learned not to be so shy. Despite what it may feel like sometimes, everyone is not looking at me thinking that I'm such a pest and talk too much, that I'm silly and frivolous because I like to dress up, or that I'm a freak of nature because I like make up and old cars. Some people can see me exactly as I am and like me that way. And let me tell you, knowing that is an amazing feeling.

Last year, I decided to start trusting people again. I've been hurt, and I've hidden a lot over the years, but I don't want to anymore. I want to be open and honest because that's the only way I'm ever going to be able to have any relationships with anyone, and I love everyone in my life too much to push them all away. I know in my heart I can trust them - they've proven it time and time again - it's just getting over my initial instincts to hide that is the trouble.

So, this post has become very long and rambling, but I really have had a great year, and I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for me.

What did you do in 2011?