Thoughts

So this isn't so much of a Christmas post as it is a New Years post; thinking back over the events of the past year and so on. This next week or so is going to be crazy, so I don't know that I'll have much opportunity to reflect. The year certainly got off to a rocky start, feeling utterly betrayed by the person closest to me at the time. I can't say that I fully understand why this had to happen, or that anything good has come of it, but I believe that somehow it was a providential occurrence and maybe someday in the future the purpose will be made clear. Beyond that, and perhaps in part because of it, 2006 has been a year of changes. After 2.5 years in Kansas it really feels like home (Not to say that I don't miss my family in NY). I have made new friends here as well as deepened existing friendships, and have had a more active social calendar than ever before. I also acquired a new hobby (home-brewing) which is quite therapeutic. If that doesn't make sense, you have obviously never tried it, but I'll be happy to explain:-) My apartment is full to bursting, and has tried my patience (and gag reflex) as mentioned in a previous post, but is home for now and probably will be until I graduate. Which brings us to school.
The fall semester was insanely busy and I was definitely over committed with 3 classes (2 is a full load) and 2 research projects (technically you can only have 1). More than one professor told me I was crazy. Even so, the busyness was good, I felt very focused and productive and made it through with my GPA unscathed. Next semester is back to 2 classes and 1 project, but quite a bit of interesting research shaping up. This academic year marks my 20th as a student, however this is the first time I can honestly say that I am content in that role. High-school seemed like it would never end. College was some sort of bizarre torture designed to deprive me of sleep and sanity. My first two years at KU were much more pleasant but at that point the academics were overshadowed by life in general and just going through a major adjustment period in more ways than one. As of October I now have a new research project which is much more in line with the ideas I have floating around for a thesis topic, and I continue to have good faculty and colleagues to work with. Classes have also been good. This is not to say that I foresee becoming a professional student :-). I am still on track to graduate in 2009, but I am happy doing what I'm doing in the meantime.
So do I have any New Years resolutions? Nope; don't believe in them. Just going to keep taking each day as it comes and hopefully have some fun in the process :-)