Hello, 2017

Perhaps this would be more aptly titled "thank god 2016 is over" or "where in the world did you disappear to, Erin?"  But alas, no, I stuck with the more positive, generic title because those did seem a little long, I suppose, no matter how true they are.  

The end of 2016 was absolutely insane.  I don't think I have ever before been this busy, or stressed out, or also strangely happy.  School has been killing me; 99% of the time I'm more zombie than human being (seriously, why did I ever think AP Chemistry was a good idea?).  But I've also met a lot of new friends this year and experienced a lot of things for the first time, which can never have a negative connotation (unless those new things include getting stabbed or abducted by aliens or something of that sort).  The year went by in the blink of an eye, about a million childhood idols died, and I read a lot of books and watched more Netflix than I probably should have (seriously, Stranger Things? Absolutely brilliant).

Now I don't really do the whole new years resolutions thing.  It's kind of a cliche that people have a tendency to conveniently forget about them a month into the year, so what's the point?  But I figured, hey, might as well give it a shot.  Right now I am trying (and hopelessly failing) to not obsess over the big things like applying to colleges, taking the SAT, and how half my friends will be graduating and going off to university. So let's just focus on some things I can at least hope to control:

Write More

I don't just mean blogging for this one.  I have wanted to be an author since I was a child, and only fairly recently have I actually set this as a goal to strive for rather than an intangible, far off dream that was never to be realized.  But do you know the secret to that dream coming true?  Actually writing.  I've done it sporadically in the past, but never as much as I wanted.  I can blame this on being busy or not knowing what to write, but the truth is that I'm scared.  I'm a perfectionist, always have been, always will be.  I like everything sorted into neat little boxes with little ribbons and probably glitter.  But writing is chaotic and messy, and I need to accept that and just write.

Read More

This shouldn't really require an explanation, should it?  I mean, reading is my life. Reading is to me as ice is to Kristoff in Frozen (and yes I am still referencing that movie).

Get Organized

Again with the titles, this would more accurately be dubbed: freaking organize my life, like dear lord it's a mess.  As much as I like to think I am an organized and efficient person, the evidence points to the contrary.  8 hours of sleep, Erin, that's not just a suggestion.  And waiting until the night before to do your homework?  Stop that, right now, it's stressful and no, winging everything is not a solid plan.

Experience More of Life

I realized this year that although I am alive, per say, as my heart is beating and I have brain waves and all that jazz, I do very little living.  Sure, sitting in my room reading and watching Netflix doesn't negate my Alive status, but it's a rather static existence.  I want more experiences and adventures and stories to tell, and I don't really want to wait any longer.

Get a Job

Can you hear that far off sobbing?  Yeah, that's me crying over how much college costs. Seriously, what the hell, America?  

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So, 2017.  I have a feeling it's going to be one hell of a year, for the best or for the worst.  In the words of Neil Gaiman, "May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."