Dang, I can’t believe it’s been that long already! It doesn’t feel like all that long ago that I stumbled on this website. A lot has happened in that time. I’m a completely different person from the one that joined here. I’ve learned things about myself. I’ve tried new things that I never would have thought I would have.

Recently I’ve been rather absent. My schedule ranges from working 46-50 hrs every week and I’m just too tired to really think about any other goals than my reading goal at the moment.

In the past year of 43T use, I finished grad school, was in a musical, and auditioned for a show I knew I had no chance of actually getting into just to be able to prove to myself that I had the courage. I got engaged and I’m now planning/saving for a wedding. I got another part time job and then two more (quitting the first one that I got). I started taking dance again and got a tattoo that has meaning to me. I also learned to grieve and let go, to live again after losing people who were/are so dear to me. I also finished writing an entire book, completed another round of NaNoWrioMo, and participated in each month’s scavenger hunt to a certain extent.

I didn’t realize how much I did until I started thinking about this goal and this place. Even though I haven’t been here much this place has still be a huge help to me. I’m working all these insane hours so that I can get to a point that I can achieve more goals. Getting married, paying off my student loans, becoming a librarian, they all require me to be in the place that I am right now. Am I crazy tired and exhausted and irritable? Yes. But it will all be worth it when I get to take my two week honeymoon to Disney. It’s worth it because I have a car now and can apply for better jobs.

At the moment though, I feel like my life is on pause. Dealing with my social anxiety, finding geocaches, learning German, and so many other things have been put on hold. I hope that next year at this time I’ll have a list that will prove that it wasn’t. I want to still find time for me and the things that I love. I need to.

Thank you to everyone who has offered up cheers and comments, encouragement and support. It’s really the people that make this place so special. I could keep a list and work toward goals, but I don’t think it would have the same impact on my life without all of you. I hope to spend another wonderful year learning from you and growing with you. Cheers all around. <3