kissing 2012 goodbye

I've always loved the end of a year. It's a time when reflection is common, a time when remembering a year of memories and experiences and happenings prompts the nostalgia that makes me truly thankful for what I have. A representation of my nostalgia is my favorite moments and parts of 2012:

10. The Olympics. Probably the one sporting event (besides March madness) that I ever consider worth sitting own in front of the television to watch and concentrate on. It's the chance to cheer on your own country, immerse yourself in national pride as you cheer on Michael Phelps or go wild with Misty May Treanor's winning spike. The end of the Olympics is a sad time indeed. It won't come around for another two years.

9. Taylor Swift. Okay, okay. So I love Taylor Swift. I have no shame. The release of Red was an exciting day for me. A very exciting day. I listen to it on repeat.

8. The beginning of the end. The start of senior year-- a landmark unparalleled in my academic career. The beginning of the end of my secondary schooling. Talk about nostalgia.

7. iPhone 5. Is that too materialistic? I don't know how I would function without it. First world problems.

6. Siemens Competition. Yes, I actually did compete in a nerdy research competition called Siemens. (*cue immature giggling?) All funny names aside, it was an experience unlike any other. A weekend where everything was paid for, from the fancy hotel to the upscale course meals, to the gas mileage. I could get used to this kind of living.

5. Les Miserables. It was that good.

4. Orchy dork time. The very first time I played as a soloist with a full orchestra. Nerve-wracking, exciting, inspiring, and incredible. The first time I truly felt like I had a voice as a musician.

3. Hitting that dang submit button. It feels good every time without fail. Applying to college has a certain finality to it, doesn't it?

2. Getting into college. Excuse me while I have a 30-second dance party while I celebrate the fact that I will, in fact, be going to college. There was always that chance that I wouldn't.

1. The best vacation in the whole entire world. AKA cruise. AKA visiting extraordinary, exotic islands while everyone else was at home slogging through college applications. AKA warm weather. AKA swimming with the turtles. AKA snorkeling with Dory and Nemo. AKA I want to go back. AKA the best part of 2012.