Reflections on this past year

It's almost my 22nd birthday, and I'd much rather reflect on a year from birthday to birthday than Jan.1-Dec.31 because it just seems more logical.

It's been a crazy year. This time last year, I was sitting in my apartment stressing over finals and wondering if i had the gas money to make it back home for Christmas. It was also the time I decided to move back home and regroup and refocus on school. It's been a constant struggle to keep myself interested in music. I love playing my trumpet and I love attempting to learn piano, but the necessary classes put a damper on the experience, especially since I've had 3 different advanced music theory teachers each telling me something different.

But, in light of the educational roadblock, I did get to live my life-long dream if only for a week. I literally quit my job and dropped everything for the chance to march in the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps. It was the single-most enjoyable experience I've ever had. When you hear of a brotherhood and a shared bond between people who work so hard for a single goal, it absolutely embodies what these guys work for. 8 hour show day rehearsals 6 days a week and a 12 hour rehearsal day with a free day every couple weeks for 150+ members, 30 staff members and sometimes a small army of volunteers. Its a truly amazing thing to see and mind-blowing to be a part of.

This was also a rough year for my family. My grandfather passed away a couple days before mom's birthday, and we're still trying to get everything back to normal. Its strange to go to my grandparent's house and not see him there, and I'm sure most of my family feels the same way.

I've also discovered a few things about myself. I procrastinate (obviously). I'm not as smart as I think I am. Sometimes, I am completely over-confident, which leads to a major let-down. I can sometimes overlook what's really important to me. I'm completely unorganized. I;m occasionally reckless.

I've also discovered twitter this year, much to my parents dismay. I'm on it all the time, and enjoy talking to 99.9% of my friends on there. They've been a really good support system and keep me motivated. I also learned that I'm not as perverted as most people think I am. I think a few of my tweeps can prove that.

All-in-all, its been a decent year, despite not partying as much as I did when I was 20. Here's to finding employment, more friends, and making every moment count.

Prosit!
Andy065

(kinda surprised I didnt write about soccer in this, huh? well, I'm thinking of rolling out a soccer blog. Just something i've thrown around in the vast expanses of my mind. Maybe I can get a job writing a soccer column? highly unlikely, but who knows?)