The picture above was taken during Memorial Day weekend at Blue Springs. This is just some of the new group.


If you're interested in seeing where I was a year ago, this link will bring you there. http://users.livejournal.com/_aphasic/196199.html#cutid1




PHYSICAL
Throughout the year I have gotten seriously sick about three times. Regular antibiotics no longer do it for me, so they have to put me on heavy duty medication when I get sick. My cardio has been improving, and I was starting Insanity (did a couple days of it) before I got a respiratory infection. As soon as my cough goes away, I will be restarting that. I need to start eating healthier and drinking less non-water beverages. I can't wait until March, when it'll become easier for me to start cooking for myself again. I haven't made much progress in the weight loss, and that's really my fault. I will have to kick it back up in 2011.

STYLE
Somehow, in the move I either lost or ruined my favorite items, and was stuck with just a few things that I thought really showed off who I was. I cleaned out my closet of stuff that I never wear anymore, and things that I would prefer to replace with something different, and headed off to a clothing swap. My friend Emily had about 15 girls over and we all traded clothes. It was a fantastic (and free!) way to get a whole new wardrobe. Not all of it is me, but at least it's new. I will slowly buy a new thing here or there to add to it. In a month or two, we will probably do another swap!

FRIENDS
Last year, I wrote, "I feel like I'm somewhat lacking in this department. I have a handful of fantastic friends, but due to scheduling differences or distance, I just don't get enough time with them as I would like." Well, while I'm still friends with those same people, we still don't get the time I wish we could have together. However, after Jesse and I broke up, I was looking for a change. I quickly became good friends with an amazing group of people. They have made life so much more fulfilling. I wish they could know how thankful I am to have them.

LOVE
I broke up with Jesse on April 1st. I probably didn't pick the best day, given the "holiday", but as far as timing, it was the best option. I fell out of love with him. All of those issues, that I at least thought were issues at the time, was nothing more than my subconscious trying to give me a reason to end things. After a long time of self-reflection and contemplation, I finally realized what was wrong. I'm happy I did, because no one was to blame for it. I feel that had I ended things over those "issues" he would have been worse off than he is, and I would have inexplicable guilt, without having uncovered the underlying causes.

In the middle of the summer I went on a couple of dates with David. He was great, sweet, funny, and we had a lot of things in common. It really just came down to bad timing. We both liked each other, but there was something holding us back. We both had gotten out of serious relationships around the same time, and neither were ready for anything yet. We still hang out, but now just as friends, and we're okay with that.

But it's amazing how much can change in a month and a half. All summer I had my eye on Greg. I kind of had a feeling that he was interested in me as well, but something kept holding me back from him. I knew it wasn't our time, and I definitely didn't want him to become a rebound. Despite our flirting and hanging out in groups, I tried not to get too close to him. When August came around, something just clicked. I was ready, but I wasn't willing to rush things. One night, when I should have been home studying for my final exam, I was at Robbie's with Greg and a few of the boys plus Ashley. We were doing our usual flirting that ended up in a nice hug, that would quickly turn into tickling. Ashley went to find someone she knew, and the other guys went across the street to the Oyster Pub to "hang out" with some girls they met. For the first time, me and Greg were actually alone. He attacked me with tickles, and I retaliated by hugging him (to my dismay, he's not ticklelish). Something was different this time. We had stood there hugging for quite some time, without another attack. I looked up at him, and could see him weighing his options all over his face. Before I realized it, he kissed me. It surprised me by how perfect of a kisser he is, because normally someone has to be subtly trained. The first thing out of his mouth after was, "I feel like this was a long time coming". And all I could say was, "Yeahhhh". He pulled me into the hallway, and told me that he liked me, and we started dating after that. We wanted to take things slow, and a little over a month later, we decided to make things official. We're not in love, yet, but we're really happy together. He was definitely worth the wait.

FAMILY
Family has been odd this year. Thanks to the obnoxious schedule I had this year, especially at the beginning, I didn't get to attend many events. I know I will regret this when I'm older. There was a lot of drama surrounding my sister, and her decisions. In March, we moved into a house that we're renting together with her two kids. I told her when we moved in that it would only be for the year, and I meant it. I'm looking forward to March, because I will be getting an apartment with my friend, Amanda. My sister is a terrible roommate. I never use the common areas, because she leaves them filthy. I never cook, because there are so many dishes piled up, that I couldn't even get to the sink to wash a pot out for me to use. She also likes to wake me up to tell/ask me things that could wait until I wake up. My nephews, however, are amazing. Dion just turned one this month. He's growing and developing faster than I could have dreamed. Ethan turned six in February, and is in gifted as a first grader. He's a bit lazy when it comes to homework, but so smart. He has a full blown personality. I'm happy to report that my Grandmother turned 93 last month. She is just so amazing, and it blows my mind. A lot of my cousins, aunts, and uncles have joined facebook this year, and that has been a blessing. I have an easier time keeping in touch. However, one of my aunts messaged Greg on facebook, which really made me laugh. On a sad note, my Grandpa has cancer. I found out last time he was down here. There's not much he can do, even if he was willing. Of course, he's stubborn and would not accept treatment anyway. I fear it won't be long before he passes. He's a chaplain, so I know that he'll be in good hands soon.

COLLEGE
Don't get me wrong, I did like Radiology. I just don't think I could have dealt with the inflexibility of it. There's not much you can do if you get bored with what you're doing, without changing careers completely. Keiser's financial aide messed me up, so I saw that as a sign to change. I will be starting DSC in just a few short weeks. I will be getting my AA in Microbiology, and should still be starting UCF in the fall, as I originally planned. Of course, the only difference is that I'll be going for Biotechnology, rather than Biology. I'm really optimistic about what's to come.

FLASHBACK
This movie is almost done! I have not worked on it all year, however, I did get to go to the studio to see scenes they had fully edited since the last time I was there. I cannot wait for the premiere! The last time we talked, they said it will be at the Athens Theater in Downtown Deland. I'm looking forward to seeing the public's reaction to something that has been in the making for so long. The countless hours, and people, who have worked on it is incredible.

JOB
I'm still working at the hotel. In a few days, I will be going to my 3rd Christmas party since I've started. It kind of blows my mind that I've been here so long. The downside, is that they're not allowed to do raises. I'm barely making ends meet right now. It wasn't bad when I was living with my parents. I always had money saved up. Now, I have substantially more bills to pay, and never get anything saved up. I hate to say it, but I will probably have no other choice but to find a new job.

My main goal for 2011?
Hit school head on, and get things rolling. When I'm done with my AA, I will be able to work as a lab tech. Why is that so exciting? I get research lab experience, while making about the same amount of money as I would have as a Rad tech. I want to also focus on family and friends.