It's New Years Eve...

Hey everyone. I have not updated this in a while. I figured it was time. Christmas was amazing, got to see my family, some of which I have not seen in quite a while. I managed to buy all the presents for under 60 dollars! That was good because of my rough financial situation. (lousy paycheck and ticket fine from october occuring at the same time) I'm very satisfied with the gifts I received. I got a new bike! Needed one of those. Others included gift cards, clothes, some books, all great things. Also, its been great spending time with my buddies who are all home for Christmas break.

So its New Years Eve again. I'm looking forward to spend the entirety of the night with some of my closest friends. I'm not gonna say 2007 was a good year. Actually, it wasn't a bad year either. Like any time, it had its ups and downs, and somehow I managed to come through each one unscathed. I'll tell you one of the best things of the year was meeting my niece Aimee for the first time when she was born, and subsequently watching her grow.

***EDIT*** I can't believe I didnt put this in here when I wrote this. Definitely the 2nd best thing this year was my trip to Europe!!!!! I spent a lot of time in England and France, something I thought I wouldn't be able to do at least until I was my parent's age or around. I saw lots of beautiful places such as castles, towns, and the Eiffel Tower to name one! So yea, that was a HUGE thing for me. Why in the world did I not think of it the first time I wrote this blog?? Silly me. ***END EDIT***

Also awesome was becoming better friends with Doug, Tim, and Josh. I know I've mentioned that in another blog, but it was definitely one of the highlights.
Oh, and if you're reading that and thinking, how come he doesn't mention me? Trust me, if you're my good friend, I think about you all the time, and I greatly value our friendship.

School was definitely better for me this last semester than the previous two. Better grades, got to hang out with one of my best friend, Scot, and I got a whole lot closer to Justin, another good friend. etc. Just in general, I enjoyed going to school. Sort of a new feeling, hah.

All things considered I believe (and obviously hope) 2008 will be a fantastic year for me. I will be attending Fresno State in the fall, sharing an apartment with Scot and possibly Kevin. Definitely some changes. For instance, my brother Josh is moving out to an apartment in a couple of days, because he's getting married on Feb 23. So the first half of the year it will be me and my parents in a house that will no doubt seem a lot bigger.

What would a blog about New Years Eve blog be without some discussion of resolutions for the new year? I actually have some serious ones this year! In reality, there just things I should have always been doing but this year and the years I have not done so well.

Heres to...

...excercising. (Now that I have a bike I actually plan on doing this daily if I can)

...giving up soda (I already started this with Justin and Scot and now Doug a month ago, slated to stop March first, but I'm going to see if I can go longer!!!)

...considering myself better than no one...

...living not for myself but for God.

..learning to choose Joy over Happiness, that I may have Joy in God and what He has done and promised me, rather than basing my mood on the circumstances of the day, hour, or even minute.

I hope that 2008 is blessed year for all of you. May your damaged relationships be repaired, may your hopes and dreams come true, and may you never take anything for granted.

I now leave with you some words that seem relevant, at least to me. Heres 'New Years Eve' by Five Iron Frenzy:

"It's New Years Eve and I'm full of empty promises, I half pretend to keep this time, just like last year. The band is loud and I'm wandering the shadows, wishing I was never here. I persevere. A crowded room, these whitewashed tombs, they raise their glasses high, they kiss the past goodbye.

This New Years Eve, I'm waiting for tomorrow. My heart is on my sleeve, and yes I still believe, this New Years Eve, will turn out better than before, I'm holding on, still holding out, until they close the door... on me.

It's New Years Eve and I feel my insecurities, are haunting me like ghosts, this sinking quicksand. And then with thunderous praise and lofty adoration, a second passes by, yet nothing changes. I hate my skin, this grave I'm standing in. Another change of years, and I wish I wasn't here. A year goes by and I'm staring at my watch again, and I dig deep this time, for something greater than I've ever been, life to ancient wineskins. And I was blind but now I see.

This New Years Eve, something must change me inside, I'm crooked and misguided, and tired of being tired. This New Years Eve, I'm waiting for tomorrow. My heart is on my sleeve, and yes I still believe, in You."