A Tribute To My 20's...

I attended Eastern Illinois for 3 and a half years. I was a sophomore when I turned 20. What a great year! I lived in Lawson Hall and met some of my best friends still today. One being my roommate Cathy. That year I went on Spring break in Panama City, with Alicia and Jen and randoms we met when we got there. It was a trip to remember! My Junior year I turned 21. We celebrated like every other 21 year old did. We went to the bars we had been going to for about a year already, but since it was legal now it was that much cooler! I Graduated from Eastern with a bachelors degree in Speech Communication on December 19, 2001.

I missed dancing so much that I auditioned for the AFL team Chicago Rush. I made it out of 120 girls and I was living my dream dancing my heart out. With Tony starting in the NFL and me finding dance again, we couldn't make it work.

I met Ryan and thought he was, "The One." Wow, if I would have only known how all that would have turned out it could have saved many tears and years! Needless to say, I was married November 5, 2005 and filed for divorced in May 2007. Following this was what I like to call my "Growth Period." For as long as I can remember I have been searching. Searching for the best job, my break into entertainment, the perfect guy, what I want out of life, etc. During this "Growth Period" I found it. I found a job that made me happy for my abilities and educational background. I regained my relationship with God and prayed often about showing me why all this was happening. I started reading. I was more of an un-finisher when it came to books before, reading the first few chapters then tossing it aside. I even started running! Now, if you know me at all, I hate running. A few years ago I decided to do a 5k with Bre and Uncle Rod, I was sick the entire last mile! But for some reason during this time running was my escape. I ran everyday. I felt revived afterward and like I could do anything. I learned so much about myself in those couple of years and I needed that time to find myself. I found the courage to walk away from being unhappy, but it took walking away before I could ever have all that I am blessed to have now. I am proud of who I have become. Without the happiness and tough times that I have had, I wouldn't be the person I am now. I have so very much to be thankful for.

My biggest blessing came on August 18, 2008, Sophia Grace. Sophie is the best gift I have ever received. My family and friends have been my support and love through everything, always, no matter how much they agreed or disagreed with my decisions. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life. And Jake, he came along at the perfect time. I had found myself. I was happy and ready for a real relationship. I am thankful everyday that he came into my life when he did. I am ready to close this chapter in my life. My 30's are just beginning and I am excited to see all the happiness, love and memories it will bring.