entering my late 20's

Yesterday, I made the subtle transition from "mid-20's" to "late-20's." I'm not entirely sure how I got to this point, because it feels like I abandoned my fake ID just a couple of years ago and took my first (and only) trip to Las Vegas as a fresh 21-year old. Alas, here we are at 27.

I learned a lot about myself in my 26th year, such as...

It's okay to change your mind, and to do it often.

It's okay to speak up about what you believe in, because "remaining neutral" is not a viable option.

It's okay to respect and value the opinion of the people you love, while simultaneously doing whatever feels the best for you.

It's okay to listen to your gut and choose the path that feels right for you, even if it means disappointing someone else.

It's okay to abandon ship on a book if you're just not feeling it (perhaps I should follow through on this, since I've been stuck on the same book for over a month!).

26 was a big year in the sense that 1) I passed the SLP Praxis examination, and 2) we got engaged! In my 27th year, I'll be re-entering the full-time working world in Clinical Fellowship position (wherever that may be), and planning a wedding (AH!).

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! I'm excited to see what's in store as I enter a few (!) new and exciting chapters in my life.

a BIG announcement...

...we're engaged!

After 4.5 years, Ryan proposed on Sunday, June 10th. Fun facts include the following:

• It happened right around where we had our first kiss on October 12th, 2013.
• I almost wore shorts and a tank top (thought we were going to a casual brunch), but decided to throw this on last minute (we stayed at my parents' place the night before and i almost didn't even pack it).
• I had zero idea what was happening pretty much until he got down on one knee.
• My gel manicure is about a month old (aka absurdly grown out) in this picture #selfcare.
• My heart rate probably hovered around 170+ for the next 20 minutes.
• I am the happiest clam!

Full story and plenty of details to come. I'm in the process of studying for the speech-language pathology Praxis exam (essentially a "boards" type of test), so the blog has been on the back burner for the last month or two during preparation. But I can't wait to dish out all the deets - where it happened, how it happened, and all of the other fun frivolities that came with it.

Thank you to everyone who has already sent along their congratulations and best wishes. I am so excited to start officially planning for our future...starting with a wedding! What?!?!

Also...probably a good time to let everyone know that the 'Rose' in Samantha Rose Says is actually my last name. Come next year, I'll be a Fredericks! (Unless I convince Ryan to become Ryan Rose, that is). 

Also alsoooo...here's a closer picture of the ring. He did SO WELL, and I can't stop looking at this thing.