2013 wrap-up
Its been a busy year and a large part of it weighed heavily on my heart but despite the difficulty, everything seems to have turned out well. At the beginning of the year I began the final phase for my Master's Thesis which I successfully defended at the end of Octorber. I also took my doctoral preliminary exams and passed. I've already begun pursuing my 2014 goals in terms of education but I still need to focus a bit more on keeping my weight down. I've done a reasonable job so far but I could still stand to lose some more.
My family and I went on a vacation (which we hadn't done in a while) and despite reservations at first I actually enjoyed it quite a bit (save for the drive. Driving to Atlanta from here is crazy). Yaki was not able to move in with me this year but we're hopeful that early 2014 will work out a bit more smoothly.
I finished my FIRST novel-length story which I'm incredibly happy about despite it not being even nearly a perfect tale; there's a lot I'd have tried to do better with it looking back but having finished it is an accomplishment for me. I met some really awesome people; particularly writers and people who inspire my creative side, and attended Anthrocon 2013 (I entirely plan to be at 14; 13 was really awesome and it was all thanks to the attendees. Everyone I hung out with this year was great and I hope you are all back this coming year). Overall the year turned out well for me and I'm really thankful for that; this year could've gone all kinds of sour but it didn't. I owe a bunch of people thanks for sticking around even when I became tough to deal with and also for kind, constructive words given both at my whim and without it.
2014 marks the beginning of the last leg of my journey through academia. What happens after this point will help determine where I am after I finish (or leave!). I'm optimistic but will continue working hard to try and ensure a good outcome. I will continue writing as its come to be so much more of a joy over the last couple years and a great way to stress over something other than the usual XD. I will also work on my social-ness; I don't speak to people as much as I'd like either IRL or online.
I'm done rambling now. I hope everyone has a happy new year and that year coming to a close has been as good to you as it has to me. There's lots to be done but let's all try taking it one step at a time :)
My family and I went on a vacation (which we hadn't done in a while) and despite reservations at first I actually enjoyed it quite a bit (save for the drive. Driving to Atlanta from here is crazy). Yaki was not able to move in with me this year but we're hopeful that early 2014 will work out a bit more smoothly.
I finished my FIRST novel-length story which I'm incredibly happy about despite it not being even nearly a perfect tale; there's a lot I'd have tried to do better with it looking back but having finished it is an accomplishment for me. I met some really awesome people; particularly writers and people who inspire my creative side, and attended Anthrocon 2013 (I entirely plan to be at 14; 13 was really awesome and it was all thanks to the attendees. Everyone I hung out with this year was great and I hope you are all back this coming year). Overall the year turned out well for me and I'm really thankful for that; this year could've gone all kinds of sour but it didn't. I owe a bunch of people thanks for sticking around even when I became tough to deal with and also for kind, constructive words given both at my whim and without it.
2014 marks the beginning of the last leg of my journey through academia. What happens after this point will help determine where I am after I finish (or leave!). I'm optimistic but will continue working hard to try and ensure a good outcome. I will continue writing as its come to be so much more of a joy over the last couple years and a great way to stress over something other than the usual XD. I will also work on my social-ness; I don't speak to people as much as I'd like either IRL or online.
I'm done rambling now. I hope everyone has a happy new year and that year coming to a close has been as good to you as it has to me. There's lots to be done but let's all try taking it one step at a time :)