2010...

I had a half decade write-up in draft mode on this blog since before the strike of midnight on the 31st of December 2009. But, alas, I haven't finished it. I don't usually abandon things left un-done; but this time I think it's a bit counterproductive.

The decade that encompassed the "noughties," (a term I hate), had a lot of ups and downs for me. The ups are that I: fell in love, endured a long distance relationship, graduated high school and college, travelled back and forth to the UK and a few other places, met some great people, laughed a lot, made some lifelong friends, and finally started doing something about my speech. The downs are that: I lost quite a few people I loved, and still love. Some of these losses were anticipated and the realization of others blew all anticipation out of the water. I've cried and mourned a lot in the latter part of the last decade.

But I've persevered. The last decade brought challenges not only to me personally, but to world as a whole. We've faced natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and a war that is still very much on-going.

This new year, this new decade, has also brought the realization that some things never change; or that the world is always changing. There will always be natural disasters like the earthquake in Hiati, there will always be people to mourn.

So, why do I feel more optimistic now than I ever have? I suppose knowing that I've come out the other side of some really tough situations gives me hope for the future.

I am going to make this my year. I'm going to put in 110% into everything and see where life takes me. As a very wise person said to me recently, just wing it and hope for the best.