Even before my mom passed away, I’ve always felt a little sad around the holidays. In the lulls between the music, the atmosphere, then general jolliness of friends and family coming together, there was always a twinge of what I now know to call nostalgia for another year about to end. Because for better or for worse, the year and everything that had happened between January 1st and December 31st would be a memory that would fade and we’d be loose on the details as we would retell our favorites during future gatherings.
One reason that I will never be on the side of the naysayers of social media is that I love how it preserves these memories. And while we may not be able to remember the exact words or events, it’s there for us to look fondly over when we feel nostalgic.
So here are my top 20 moments of 2013 (according to Facebook):
20. Left Job at Canopy Road Café
One of the best things about Tallahassee is the number of family owned establishments still around and thriving. And I always recommend Canopy Road to any visitors, saying you can’t get better Tallahassee food and atmosphere anywhere else.

19. A Picture My Grandfather Took
(And it’s still my desktop to this very day.)

18. My Third Swing Dance Anniversary
Or better known as a “swing-a-versary”. This year I think I figured out that the exact date of my introduction into something that has become so much more than extracurricular to me. As I said in my Facebook status:
It’s given me one of my best friends, a family away from home, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This has been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see where it goes for many, many more years.
I am continually thankful for swing dance and its community and cannot wait to see what 2014 will bring.
17. Making the Newcomer Jack & Jill Finals at Lonestar Championships
And placing 3rd! (video below, I come in around 3:20 minute mark)
16/15. The Countdown To And Graduating from Florida State University

April 2013
14/13. Visiting Cyprus This Summer
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I am so lucky to have a friend like Fani. She is such a good soul and just a beautiful person all together. I hope that I get another chance to visit her again. Or return the favor.
12/11. Booking My Flight and Traveling To New York City
10. My Supergirl Shirt
So the story is that I wore my Supergirl shirt while out on errands, coffee and (surprise) filling out more job applications. Two kids saw me on the street and were ridiculously excited, pulling on their parents’ arms, saying “Look! It’s Superwoman!” It pretty much made my day!
9/8. Accepting an Internship at Green Door Labs
I have been an elusive intern, but I cannot thank Kellian and her team enough. They took me to my first museum conference in Newport, RI. They’ve given me my first step towards a career with my bachelors. I hope to be more active with them this year. I have a few projects I’m really excited about! (I’m not dead yet!)
7. Moving Into My First New York Apartment
6. Started Working at the Guggenheim Museum
I still cannot believe I am working for THE Guggenheim Museum in New York City. I can only begin to thank the people that helped be involved with such an amazing program. I wish I could post pictures, but for obvious reasons, I cannot post pictures of my kids or their artwork.
5. Making the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers
I can’t believe I get to work with such talented individuals. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing team. We’ll be doing our first job at NYU and I’ll be one of the new members to premiere. When that happens, I’ll definitely post the video. 🙂
4. Starting My Freelance Production Career
The job with el-j productions kicked my butt and I loved every minute of it.
3/2. Working at Li-Lac Chocolates’ 90th Anniversary
I’ve gotten such a kick saying that I work in a chocolate factory. And working in the shop is a blast. (Almost no one