here's to 2011

I feel really good about 2011. For some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, I just feel that it's going to be the best year of my life. I've never felt that before. Maybe I'm misguided and it won't be - but I just feel it. 2009 and 2010 were both hit and miss for me. In 2009 I had all my finances in order and was in amazing shape, but was stressed out about work and impending unemployment all the time. 2010 saw a lot of debt (which is fine because I did something I really wanted to d0) and me completely out of shape, but on the plus side I have a solid and safe job. Also, considering all factors, I got a nearly $15,000 raise this year. So that's always positive.

So let's take the best of 2009 + the best of 2010 and make the best year ever, right?

What are some of the things I'm excited about?

January to March: Going to get in shape, which is something I've maybe finally learned is something you do and not talk about. Yes, I understand that I'm talking about it now, but it's action time. There's a great theory/idea about changing people's behavior and basically what it amounts to is that you can show someone the way they are incorrect and the correct way a million times, but they won't take any action until they are ready. I am ready. And it's about time. And besides, it's not like I haven't done it before.

Same time-frame; it's money time. I've been kind of looking forward to this all year. Between tax return and bonus in February and March, I should be able to take care of some of the things I've needed to take care of for a bit.

April: I'm planning on getting surgery in April to get rid of this giant cyst in my back. Doesn't sound like something to be excited about, but for someone like me with a minor case of OCD... it's for the best. My coworkers yell at me all the time when they catch me rolling it around in my hand at work! They don't even realize that I'm worse at home. It's gotta go! I'm slightly nervous to get operated on (first surgery!), but luckily it only requires local anesthetic and maybe I'll even get some vicodin out of the deal. :) Also, my insurance covers 100%, which is a plus.

July: Back to Los Angeles, most likely, and that's always something to look forward to.

Late Summer: We're trying to get a trip together to go to Outer Banks and rent out one of this giant houses. I'm really hoping we can make this happen.

I think that 2010 is going to be a year of great change and growth for me. I've already mentioned that I'm going to try to capture it, 365 photos at a time. It's kind of nuts that I'm going to be staring down 30 by the end of the year, but I hope by that time I'm fully comfortable with where I'm at in life and everything that's going down. There were always a few things I wanted to do by the time I'm 30, and maybe I won't have a BMW or a Lexus, but if I'm financially secure and in great shape, then that will be enough for me.

A nice girl wouldn't hurt either.

Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this. I hope you get everything you are hoping for. :)

"See" you in a week.