I am currently looking at my calendar and wondering where March AND April went! Time is seriously flying- I am scared for how much faster it goes by when I one day get married and have kids! I haven't written much in the last year, but my life has been full of blessings and happiness beyond explanation.  Lately, my time has been full of photographing life at Wake Technical Community College, working 2 nights a week in their ESL program, and volunteering as the President of the Appalachian Alumni Triangle Chapter here in Raleigh.  All of this time spent with the Appalachian Alumni Association has made me think of why I loved my time there and why I choose to connect with other Alumni in my free time.  There's something about Boone that bonds each one of us.

In my first days of moving into Newland dorm on the West side of App's campus, I met the most incredible group of people that became some of my very best friends. This group defined my college experience, which was one I could never forget.  Miriam Grattage is a friend that made those years so iconic, and she is one I hope to never lose.  Brilliant, spunky, sporty, punny, and tons of fun, Miriam is a friend that you want on your team in any stage of life.  

Throughout our adventures at App, I can remember multiple times each semester where Miriam would share her stories, feelings, and hopes regarding a guy named Sean.  Sean and Miriam met at App; he graduated a few years before us, so I never had the opportunity to meet him while in college.  I had always been intrigued by their relationship because while the timing never seemed to match up for them, Miriam and Sean seemed to be the perfect match. They had the best time together adventuring around the mountains, or hanging out on the couch. Things seemed easy and low stress; they were best friends and loved each other with a deep understanding and trust.  

After years of timing not working in their favor, they were able to land on the same timeline.  I've never seen Miriam more happy and alive than when talking about Sean...until I finally met him and saw their magical connection in person.  Sean is everything Miriam has described in the past 8 years and more. He is kind, empathetic, smart, hilarious, and head over heels in love with my best friend.  I am so grateful to see their chemistry and it gives me hope to know that someone is out there that fits me in the same way Sean fits Miriam.  I could not be happier that these two are getting married in February, except for the fact that I get to join the party! Vamos a la playa!

St.Patrick's day weekend I finally visited Sean and Miriam in Asheville; I hate that the trip wasn't put on my calendar sooner! We had a blast catching up, hiking, touring breweries, and eating all the food.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to have seen their perfect home among the Appalachian Mountains, and for the chance to press the reset button before my incredibly busy season began. There are many other things I want to say about these two; sometimes words aren't enough to explain the emotion that comes with a genuine connection and lasting friendship.