"It's about casting off the shell of what once was and embracing the mysteries of what is new." – MaryAnne from TrueBlood Season 2

Wow, MaryAnne….you might've been a self serving maenad who went crazy and sacrificed people to Dionysus, but at least some of your ideas were good. : )

 

In the past few weeks, I've been out with tons of people, read a lot of books, started classes, seen some movies, become obsessed with NCIS, done community service, visited with family, gone on vacation and revisited the world of love without expectation . I can't say I've been this happy in months. Things feel natural, finally. It's June 1 and I'm so pleased to have home wrapped around me like a safety blanket- or maybe it's more like stepping out of a pool that you were drowning in….that first gulp of air is absolutely imperative and important. That is how summer2010 feels. I have highschool friends all around me who laugh like I laugh and it is fantastic. I enjoy the sun. I enjoy the rain. Mostly, I enjoy walking at night. The heavy, wet but cool air of the south is not something you'll find anywhere else. And that's a beautiful thought.

Next week, I'll be running a theatre camp with my friend Bre and I couldn't be more excited. Or scared! They don't even have a production in mind. She and I will be responsible for all blocking, directing, costumes, etc. It shouldn't be too bad, right? After all….it's only about fifteen kids ages 5-12. Haha. I really am thrilled for the opportunity though.

As for tonight, my mom and I always eat Chinese together once a week and that is where I am headed. Peace.

Stop tatalktalking that blahblahBLAH.

Someone used the phrase, "Talk is cheap at UAB," to me the other day and honestly, I couldn't agree more. I love the people in this program, I really do. Have I felt continually let down by the actions of my peers this year? Yes. Does that mean I've made no mistakes and am without fault? No. The real idea is that I've been studying character….and there seems to be a real lack of it in this age group. These kids (because no, we aren't REALLY adults) who are between 18-28 who all act like we love one another (but only if it serves us at the time) have yet to grasp what we'll take away from this experience. We have no idea who we hurt with our words and even when we do, we don't know to what degree. Basically, you can't take anything you hear at face value. Who is to say what is true and what isn't and SERIOUSLY, why does everyone even care about everyone else's business? Personally, I want to remember the good memories. I don't want my stories with my children to be "he said she said they did this" stories, you know? I like actions. I like DOING. I want real memories. I want to remember the things I did, not the things I didn't. I want to remember people's smiles and laughter, not the times I heard them talking shit about someone. Does any of this make sense? Is it so much to ask?

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."

I believe this is true. It amazes me how we as individuals can for months, perhaps years, believe something when in our gut we always knew it was wrong. Whether this is about religion, a person, a relationship or an idea, hindsight always makes everything clear. Then you'll remember all the signs- all the things that blatantly screamed at you, "THIS ISN'T REAL!" ha. It's tragic and beautiful in its simplicity. The question was always, "How long do we fight? How long do we hold out?" No answer ever came…what's natural just happened. I've had to let go in many relationships, whether romantic or friendly. No one ever knows the right time to say goodbye and no one ever REALLY wants to do it. But you learn or hopefully you'll apply what you gleaned. I know for me, every relationship is an adventure. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad and mostly, it's both. Sometimes people talk about you and tell lies – who knows their motivation. Sometimes they're all about praise and love. The truth is that the human race is a pretty big disappointment from many angles and it's hard to not get bogged down in this idea. . .but on the flip side, people can be pretty amazing.

Anyway, I like looking at all of this objectively. As Rafiki once said, "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it." It's true. And hey, I like learning. You know what else I like? For the last week when people ask me, "Julie, what's up? How are you?" I get to say, "I'm wonderful!"….AND I MEAN IT. Mmmmm, it's such a refreshing feeling. The responsibility of your mood is on no one but yourself; sure, there are outside influences, but I made the decision that I was going to be everything I want to be. I'm pretty flippin happy and so mellowed out; it's great. You can too. Yay summer, low stress and seeing things and people who are important.

I look forward to marching band in the fall. I'm excited about being a section leader. I'm hopeful that maybe some of the drama (bc there is no other word for it) won't follow everyone. As for the past year:

If you spoke badly of me

If you betrayed me

If you told someone an untruth about me

If you encouraged rumors

If you talked behind my back

If you were jealous

If you didn't like me and didn't know me

If you did any of these things…you should know that whoever you told, told me. I know about a lot of it. And yes, you should be ashamed of yourselves… but the thing is- I know that usually when people do things like this, they're own insecurities or need for attention drive these acts. It usually isn't meant to TRULY harm or be malicious, just to forward your own reputation and popularity or give YOU an excuse to get out of a tough situation. So, I'll overlook it.

If I ever did any of these things to you and you're reading this- I apologize. Genuinely. Being involved or witnessing so many RIDICULOUS situations has really humbled me and my view about social groups. I'm undecided about how to go forward from here, but I don't doubt that it'll produce good things. I have a good vibe.

So you know hearts? Feeling and doing based on your "heart"….it really is an amazing thing, this idea. Obviously, this mythical "heart" is part of feelings which are processed via our brain and we either act on them or don't act on them. I was watching Sweet Home Alabama the other day and Jake looks at Melanie and says, "What's the matter with you southern women? Do you have to make all the wrong choices before you see the right one?!!" haha. I truly laughed- I think Jake had every right to ask that question. I also think he might be correct. Goodness knows I have made plenty of errors in my friend, love and spiritual life, but they aren't beyond redemption. The people who matter always come back or stay around. Some of them never really leave. That's the beauty of love whether loyal or romantic, or both. In many instances, I'm the one who comes back or lets someone back into my life. Love enables great feats of forgiveness, happiness and understanding. Love sometimes throws people back into your life full force and sometimes they just sort of gradually appear….and sometimes, they simply come back again. I'm into summer love- I'm completely down with loving people. Old, New; Long term, short term; Disastrous or wonderful. It's what I do. I even created a Facebook album strickly for summer called, "Summer is for Lovers"

I intend to spend my summer making memories with people for whom I love and care. This includes beach trips, midnight showings, bookathons, camping trips, UAB workdays, lunch dates, evening dates (whoa!), movie nights, taking pictures and playing various games which are made to embarrass friends among friends. I hope it's glorious.

If you read all of this, major kudos to you. I hope you have a wonderful summer. Until next time….

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

5

1) Broke up with said boyfriend. Relief? Maybe.

2) Apparently... I'm sleeping with numerous different boys in the music department. I'm glad everyone else knew before me. I don't even remember it- damn. OH WAIT. Hmmmmm. How interesting.

3) Find something better to do with your freaking time than talk about people. Done.

4) I'm ready for finals and my jury to be completed.

5) I'm going to be fine. In the end, all of this doesn't really matter.


<3 <3 <3 mmmmkay,thanks, bye

Time out.

Currently, my boyfriend and I aren't talking. We're taking a few days to reasses what we want from our relationship. Does that mean we're breaking up...does that mean we're going back to the old ways...or does it mean something will change? I'm weary of trying to "work things out." The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting something diferent to happen. I guess I'm insane then.

Just the other day I was thiking about how I possibly wanted something new. I've been playing pingpong with two boys for over 3 years and it's old. I love and adore both of them but it's hard to maintain a relationship with one and a friendship with the other when they are constantly attempting to make me hate the other. It really isn't fair, you know... neither of them ever got my whole heart. How am I supposed to fight that? I met both of them at the end of my first serious relationship(which was in shambles and I was trying to leave) and here they both come- falling into my lap simultaneously...and I became infatuated with them both. I grew to love them both. Am I in love with either of them anymore? Well, that's certainly a good question. There is so much anger and resentment towards them both that I'm not sure if I'll ever forgive everything that's happened.

As for my current interest, I love him. I know I do. But are we compatible? We fight quite a lot. His apathetic attitude and general lack of forethought in most situations is a serious problem for me. He speaks to me like he doesn't have to consider my feelings...granted, that's how he speaks to everyone. I know my need to be organized and have a plan bothers him. He acts like and idiot while I generally am more witty and sarcastic. In general, we're just on different playing feilds when it comes to personality and intellect. Does that mean we could work? Is love all you need? I've always thought no but I want to believe something good could come of this situation.

As for the other boy, I miss him often. No one ever made me smile like he did. We didn't fight. It was smooth sailing - we were just interrupted. But I cannot go back. It doesn't work that way in society or my heart...not anymore.


All in all I'm just very confused. I have been for years. There have been good times and bad. I just want some calm back in my life.

Give me something new.

I just want to be wanted...the problem is - by who?

Sometimes I want attention. Sometimes I want to be left alone. Is it a defense mechanism? Is it a cry for help? Or is it just being a woman and being normal?

Your inconsistency bleeds over and becomes mine. Your complacency irritates me. The barrier between our personalities is outrageous. And the way you only chase me when a "threat" is close makes me insane. What signal does that send?

So is it out with the old and in with the new? Is it just OUT and go on hiatus? Decisions decisions.

I completely deserve something real. Something fresh. I'm confident enough to believe that.


I'm restless, sheesh. That's the best word for it.

The Many Ages of Julie

While driving back from Oak Grove today, I was thinking about the many ages which have represented parts of my personality.

 

I envy completely fit and thin 14 year old me. I discovered that it's okay to be outgoing and speak my mind and not care what everyone else thought. I CAN THINK TOO. However, I was so vain. I talked about myself and my problems far too much.

Ohhhhh 15. My style changed and I became more humble-I made a lot of new friends, although I am never in short supply. I was such a hopeless romantic too. Silly and carefree.

Ah 16… I was so serious and trying to figure out what I wanted from my life, my school, my family and my friends.

SEVENTEEN!!! I. was. Ridiculous. Ohmygosh. It was the best and worst year. I had my heart broken and broke hearts. I laughed more than ever and cried more than ever. I miss the summer before my senior year of high school. I did what I wanted and didn't have regrets. <3

Lolz, 18. Graduation and College rocked…. I was fat but I was happy. Oh geez. I had it all together and knew what I wanted.

I pity 19 year old me. I lost a lot of weight but I lost my direction too. I lost my faith in so many people. I lost my sweeter view of the world.

 

Here I am at twenty- a little bitter, a little cynical, a little more curious…A lot confused about humans and our behavior. Completely stoked about being a teacher in a few years. Never taking my family for granted. Enjoying life to the best of my ability while still being responsible. I think I feel another restless streak coming but I guess we'll see.

 

 

Anyway, I'm ready for summer. I need a break and I need more good memories. Go!

=]

Checks and…well…

Government exam? Done.

Mens tourney? Done.

Apply for Background Check? Done.

Register for APTTP? Done.

Band drama? Better be done. (It was useless.)

Fill out ECY 300 Study Guide? Done.

Have an uneventful Spring Break? Done.

STILL TO DO à

Get fingerprinted.

Take my ECY 300 and ENV 108 exams this week.

Write one case study evaluation and create one environmental outreach powerpoint.

Meet with advisor then plan summer and fall schedules.

Wind Symphony FAIL-playing which will result in my expulsion from the class.

Read the 10 or so books sitting around my room.

Try to unwind.

Enjoy more Blazer Basketball.

Attempt to understand others actions and the motivations which spur my own.

Ten for Monday.

These are just ten things I observed(in some fashion) suring the day today which led me to ponder and write about them. Just Monday.

1. Brush your teeth. Seriously…just floss every few days and at the VERY LEAST, brush your teeth after breakfast in the mornings. Chew some sugar-free gum after meals; it helps prevent the buildup of plaque and that gagging sound your friends will make when you speak.
   
2. Have a plan. I know there is a lot to be said for being spontaneous and adventurous, but at what price? Forgetting to do homework, forgetting to text or call your significant other, making overlapping plans, forgetting said plans…or in the larger scheme of things…. What do you want to do with your life? How do you plan to pursue your degree and blahblahblah. I'm not saying "Never do anything out of the blue,"…but you can do that while still being contentious about the 'goings on' in life. These are good things to consider.
   
3. WAKE UP! If you cannot even drag your lazy behind out of bed without hitting snooze fifty times, what makes you think I'll have faith in your ability to do anything else? Goodness. Irresponsibility oozes from this behavior. It's probably ridiculous, but I really lose respect in a person's ability to fully function and run their lives if he/she cannot get the day started correctly. It's a mundane task and easy to accomplish. I promise.
   
4. Don't be a prude. You know what it means.
   
5. Cover it. When you sneeze or cough, DO IT INTO YOUR ELBOW, not your hand. Common sense people, let's get it together.
   
6. Talk to me. Don't ask how my day is and not want to know. Don't tell me stories about your significant other all the damn time. Don't just make sexual jokes or act stupid; I enjoy silly humor as much as the next person, but sometimes my brain requires more. Ask about my interest in history and education. Ask how I like to eat my steak. Ask about my favorite movies, where I work and what I think about different colored fire hydrants. I'll ask you about your schooling, your friends, your favorite number, what clothes you like or even how intuitive your cat is. Simple or complex, make it interesting…and most of all, BE INTERESTED. Don't just go through the motions. If we're to be friends, let's make it worthwhile.
   
7. Wash your hands. Okay, so if I happen to see you walk out of a bathroom without washing your hands or using sanitizer, don't be surprised if I'm hesitant to let you touch me. It's not that I'm a ridiculous germaphobe or anything. Hell, go roll in some dirt then hug me….but the BATHROOM? Yeah. Too much.
   
8. Every single day, compliment yourself or tell yourself something you deserve. (I'm not talking undeserved sense of entitlement, just a good boost.) If you've had a bad day but still busted your butt at the gym and you are dying for that candy bar, have one. Ladies, if your man isn't putting forth enough effort in the relationship, tell him what you're looking for and try to compromise. Fellas, is your woman not giving you what you need? Romance her a little bit and see if she'll fall lovingly into your arms. Communication is the key. Are you always going and going? Reward yourself with an evening off and relax. When you look into the mirror, take note of your attributes. "Wow, my eyes are sparkling today!" or, "Dang, these jeans make my butt look good."
   
9. Never compromise your belief for someone else. I believe that people should stand up for what they think whether that means defending your religion, sexual practices and orientation, feelings about politics or opinions about substance abuse, etc. However, this doesn't mean you should shut out every other idea. Be considerate to others views and if you like or dislike them if up to you but be graceful in your response. Also, this encompasses the whole, "Never do something just to impress someone" concept. Don't go to church because I do. Don't drink until your slur because they do. Do what you WANT….or experiment and try to at least FIGURE what you want. This is a great life and you should enjoy it as YOU, not as anyone else.
   
10. Laugh. You just have to- plain and simple. It heals the heart and mind from all the wounds you've received and will receive. Do the things you love with people you love.

This is just a post... Stream of consciousness.

Last weekend I went to the Tau Beta Sigma Southeastern District Leadership Conference in Voldosta, GA. IT. WAS. GREAT. The drive was ridiculous but I thoroughly enjoyed spending all that time with some of my sisters. :)

Tonight...UAB lost 70-65 in our own Bartow Aren to the Memphis Tigers. It's the boys fault for not getting it together this game. It wasn't the refs. It wasn't cheating. But you know.... it also wasn't that Memphis is a better team. I think we are the better team- when we're on our game. If our boys had played with the same heart they gave that last six minutes, we would have slughtered them. Oh well. Tuesday I leave for Tulsa, OK to see the boys play at the CUSA Tournament and I hope we do wonderfully!!

I need to vent. Don't respond to my text messages with, "If you want," "okay/ok/k" or other apathetic things of the like. It annoys the uisfyhdsuf out of me. It's like saying, "I don't care enough to grace you with an actual response. You don't mean enough." Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhg. Anyway.

I'm going to speak at Pelham High School in the morning. It's my Alma Mater. I'm excited. :)

This cold weather needs to throw the dueces. I'm sooooo over it. I need shorts and sandals.



In other news.... Texts From Last Night, winks and huuuge HUGS make life better. Yay.

Do something for yourself!

I LOVE LISTS. I LOVE GOALS. I LOVE PLANNING. End of story. :) haha


I've always been inspired to create a bucket list and after seeing my friend Sam's post about her "100 Things," I figured I'd start my list too.

1. Graduate from college with my education degree.
2. Take self defence classes.
3. Sing The National Anthem in Bartow Arena.
4. Marry a man I'm comfortable with who treats me well, makes me laugh and stimulates me intellectually.
5. Have children.
6. Take Swing Dance classes.
7. See Vatican City, The Pyramids at Giza, The Parthenon, The Pantheon, The Cistene Chapel, Auschwitz, The Dome of the Rock, The Nile, The Colleseum, Etc....
8. In general, spend time in Rome, Athens and many areas in Egypt.
9. Get a second tatoo.
10. Sing for a jazz band again at some point in my life.
11. Do something completely scandalous.
12. Be on a step team.
13. Save a life.
14. Stop biting my nails....again.
15. Write a novel and have it published.
16. Be an incredibly fun and inspiring history teacher.
17. Be fearless when it comes to telling people I love them. Friends, family and beyond.
18. Own a house, a phone and a car for myself. Making payments and all.
19. Give my pets creative names for the rest of my life.
20. Laugh until I cry at least once a month.
21. Learn a new language.
22. Go cliff jumping/diving....again.
23. Investigate further into greek, roman, celtic, atlantean and egyptian mythology.
24. Go skydiving.
25. Become capable of receiving the gift that is full faith.

This is just a few...more to come. Perhaps it will be one hundred; maybe more, maybe less.

All aboard the J Train.

It dawned on me last night that I haven't been alone in a very long time.

I started 'going out' with boys in 2004. haha

I started dating Joseph in June 2005; it ended in June 2007.

I was involved with Justin from around July 2007-August 2009.

Joel and I started dating in September of 2009 and it is now February 2010 - we're still together, but times are tough.

I was 15 the last time I was actually "single"... I'm 20 now. Hell, it's not like I've been married or engaged so I know it's not a huge deal, but I feel that I've come into adulthood with someone always at my side. I'm an advocate for independent women, but can I practice what I believe?

You see - my primary issue is that I'm obsessed with love. I think true happiness is shared and that loving is the key to a life worth living. I nurture people. I want to adore them, help them and appreciate them. I see people for their potential. However, for now, some things just aren't necessary. Are they necessary for anyone? ... I may not want to, but I'm sure I could function without you. I could learn.

I can wake up, brush my teeth and get dressed on my own.

I can make it through the day without texts saying I'm beautiful.

I can sleep in a bed alone.

I can go to church singular.

I'll still chew gum, even if I'm not preparing to kiss someone.

I can call friends on the phone.

I can go to a party alone.

I will put on my mascara for myself, not for anyone else. It's the one makeup product I do enjoy.

I can enjoy new shows and new movies with other people.

I'm smart.

I'm outspoken.

I'm witty.

I'm driven.

I'm passionate and compassionate.

I can be happy.

Mostly, I am fully capapble of looking into the mirror and seeing a girl worth having.

Aaaaahwwwooooooo!

Saturday night I was chased in a UAB parking deck by a complete stranger. It was nine-thirtypm at the corner of 10thAveS and 16thSt. Luckily, I got back into my car and got away in time. The police got involved. It's something I don't think I could ever forget. And I KNOW I'll never forget my friends Jordan and Vinny for being my knights in shining armour.

Tonight I was going to the deck again alone, at night, and unaccompanied. I was really frightened and felt really let down. I don't want to be a victim.

Sigh. Sometimes, no matter how strong you are, all you want and need is someone to lean on and someone who will protect you. Is that so much to ask?

--------------------

In other news:

The Wolfman was an awesome movie.

Tradition.
Cliche Plotline.
Gore.
Good cast.

By no means was it the greatest film of our time, but if you love a classic throwback, this movie is for you!!

Go see it. :D

Learn Yourself. Know Yourself.

"Did you ever get the feeling that we started in the middle? Or have you ever had the sense that we were lying just a little? I mean come on…it's not like we knew ourselves that long." – John Mayer

Do you ever consider your own personality characteristics? I mean… think about it. We are so quick to pick out things we love or hate about other individuals but do you consider those things about yourself?

Are you really so kind?

Do you really NEED that makeup?

Am I a hypocrite by accident…or by choice?

Is that girl really worth it?

Am I acting this way to impress someone?

Ask yourself real questions…and if you cannot…maybe just talk to someone about THEIRS because it's natural that you would then discuss your own thoughts. Maybe you'll be talking and BAM! There it is…something you always frown upon but realize you do it too. Maybe you'll change – maybe you won't.

I learned a lot about myself in 2009. I'll never know enough, but I'm on the right track.

I love honest people, so don't play games with me. Speak your mind.

I despise rude people. (Yes, there is a difference between rude and honest. Believe me.)

I trust too easily…but I probably won't change.

I love being a section leader. I love marching band. Always have – always will.

I think nature is cruel and beautiful.

I REALLYREALLYREALLY miss singing with a jazz band. Desperately.

I like the feeling right after I get out of the shower.

I choke down a lot of my harsh statements. There's no reason to jade other people.

I'm not really THAT cynical. Ha. Just enough.

It'll never be simple, so stop wishing.

Count your blessings.

I overanalyze. This isn't new, but I'm reminded daily.

I have a very different view about "faith"/"belief"/"spirituality" than I once did. It is still present…just altered.

I think people are intimidated by my drive. I know what I want and I get it. So what.

I care what my parents think.

Apathetic people piss me off beyond belief. Wasted talent. Uhg.

Space and time don't heal all wounds. Sometimes you're just going to love people…no matter what.

I like Alabama. Yep. You've got it.

So I found out that I can be really mean….like…REALLY MEAN. It usually doesn't leave my lips- not the terrible stuff- but my urge to be vindictive after you've hurt me is unsettling.

However, I have great self control. J

Also, I believe hatred and post-action guilt are useless emotions.

I can forgive.

You might think you're strong but someone can rip that from you in a matter of minutes. Someone can take your pride. Another will steal your integrity. One your dignity. And yet again, someone else your trust. You let it happen. You're broken and feel that nothing will be the same.

I have a plan. I like being practical.

But still….. I like surprises. <3

I care what people think even if I try not to… and lucky for me, sometimes trying does make it happen.

It's not the same- but you're better. You learned. You might still hurt but there are people who matter and they do make it okay. The best of those being yourself.

I'm not conservative, but I'm not liberal.

I'm a LOT crasser that I once was. Ask me to speak my mind- I will. Leave a dirty joke untold- I'll tell it. Try and fight with me about religion or politics- I dare you.

Maybe I do like Dr. Pepper.

I'm really snarky.

I'll NEVER be above apologizing. Saying sorry is important.

Your superior attitude isn't even worth my time, so trash it. Seriously.

I love Heroes. I love Jodi Piccoult. I love new phones. I love watching movies. I love my Snuggie. I think texting rocks. I love colored sharpies. I love new shirts. I like when people make me CDs. I like getting dirty – mud on my feet and everything. I enjoy filing my nails. I love that laugh when I throw my head back and my hair shakes everywhere. I love discovering new people. I love discovering me.

People aren't always what you think. Some are worse… but some will surprise you. J

I like my personality even if you don't.

I view so many things with newly opened eyes nowadays and it's enthralling.

I'm not really unique, special or innovative, but I am Julie Renee' Covington…and I do that better than anyone else.

Hello &&& Pet Peeves

There was Xanga. There was Livejournal. There was Myspace. I could make posts regularly there...Currently, there is facebook, but I find that I cannot just write about things there. This is a blog where I'll write stuff about me. Maybe I'll write about you. There might be secrets! I'll probably write about people, movies, shows, books and most importantly-- situations I observe. Hope you enjoy.

-------------------------------

First order of business... A list of my pet peeves/ things I dislike:

1) When people read a book series or watch a film series out of chronological order.
2) Listening to someone drink or chew.
3) Closed-mindedness
4) People who are SO open minded, they are closed minded about their own self righteous open-mindedness.
5) Superior attitudes. ALSO- UNDESERVED superior attitudes/ undeserved sense of entitlement.
6) Affirmative action. (No, I'm not a racist, I just think it's gone far enough.)
7)Um....No means no. Really. No, I'm not kidding. Seriously. Just stop. Not yes. NO.
8) INCORRECT USAGE of your & you're/ their,there, they're/ to, two, too. We were in school forever. Get it right.
9) Bad grammar. In situations such as blogging or texting, incomplete sentences are acceptable. In essays or serious messages or conversations....absolutely not.
10) Shrill women.
11) Teachers who don't teach. They coach. (If they can do both, more power to them!)
12) Opening the Morton's purple salt can. THAT NOISE! Uhhhhg. :[
13) Disrespecting your elder or your educator- whether ther are right or not. Just shut the hell up.
14) People who blindly follow trends...even if the trend is to NOT follow a trend.
15) Gossip & Drama Mongers

These were just a few I suppose. I'm sure there will be more later.

Anyway - WELCOME TO 2010! I'm excited about a new year and a new place to write. Until next time...