Blogs, eh?

Well, it's 2008, and I'm figuring, new year, new things. This whole blog thing has always seemed a little lame to me, and as I type my first entry, I have a feeling that I was never too far off.

Christmas Vacation comes to an end on January 7th, for good 'ol Thornton High School students. I have to say, I'm pretty excited to be expected to be alert and ready to learn at 7:15 AM in 13 degree Colorado winter weather.

(For all of you that stumble across this, I do hope you're a fan of sarcasm.)

All sarcasm aside though, I am very excited for a new year. Last year had plenty of ups and downs, many that were self induced, and I have every intention of making this year ten times better. (Isn't that always the goal, though?)

I made several New Years resolutions, because usually, I don't end up keeping them, so by making several, I figure I'm bound to hold at least one up. Of my dozens and dozens of sorry expectations I'm holding myself to in the glorious year of 2008, there are a few that I'm looking forward to;

one- intensifying my relationship with my God. I noticed in 2007 more than ever that life can get in the way of so much if you let it. There's only so much time in a day, and a lot of us (me very much included) get our priorities way out of whack. Faith is an incredibly hard thing, and because of that, we often push it aside. Well, no, no, no! Not this year! I'm workin' overtime to get the fact that I need to daily live for the person that gave me life (No, not my mother) the number one priority spot in it.

two- helping others. I recently had a day that, for lack of a better description, sucked. I in no way expected people to go out of their way to talk to me, but, it would have been nice. Looking back, I think of so many times where people dropped little hints about a bad day, texted me just to vent, and I shrugged it off. I linked how they must how been feeling (probably worse than I was) to how I felt just the other day. I figure, if someone thinks I'm a decent enough person to want to tell me about their problems, then that's probably one of the nicest things a person can do. The least I can to is offer to listen, and maybe invite them out of the house to get their minds off of things - no matter how inconvenient it is to me. It's a compliment, not a burden, and I don't see it that way often enough.

three- spend as much time as humanly possible with my family. God blessed me so much in this area. Although my father ended up being a genetic carrier instead of a dad, I have such an extraordinary family. I have a fantastic set of grandparents, they are the ultimate example of love. An uncle who opens my eyes to my love of music more and more every time I see him. Most laid back man I know - it's so contagious! My older sister, who even though is 7 years older than me, can sometimes still feel like my junior. Her and I even each other out very well, and she is an incredibly essential part to my life. My brother in law Zach, and his sisters, Ali and Dakotah who have without a doubt become a part of my family over the last four years. We fight like cats (Dakotah's died) and dogs and annoy the snot out of each other. We have a love that's real and intense though, and that's very important.

And then there's my oh-so-incredible mother. She's the most selfless person I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, it's without a doubt the icing on the cake to say she's my mom. There's a fine line between being a mother, and trying to be your daughter's friend, and my mom steers clear of the latter. She's always my mom first, but by remembering what it was like to be a teenage girl and always knowing what I'm going through, she's been able to achieve being my best friend, too. She's the strongest woman I have ever met, and she still gives her everything to life and to her God. Talk about admirable!

four- lead an all around healthier lifestyle. Yes, I am sad to say that I will no longer be indulging on half a box of Oreos while I watch an America's Next Top Model marathon (Drown in the irony of that one, bloggers). This resolution, however, is not just limited to America's persistence on teenage girl's ribs sticking out farther than any other body part. It includes talking less and listening more, loving even when it's hard and laughing where ever and whenever I want. For the record, I don't care if it kills me..I am never giving up Diet Coke.

five- Quit biting my nails, and be committed to watching Gossip Girl and Life of Ryan weekly. (Hey, they can't all be life altering, Ryan Sheckler is just too cute to pass up, bald or not.)

Two days in, I'd say I'm doing a pretty darn good job. :)

Happy 2008, everyone.

xoxo-
Devin