Is it spring yet?

Did I ever tell you how much I hate winter? I was told growing up not to use the word "hate" because it is a very strong word. I HATE winter. I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT!!!! I took Trek to the dog park earlier this week. I was all suited up: Gore-Tex winter boots, long johns under my jeans, layered tops, Columbia jacket, fleece double lined head warmer, and gloves. All that just to take the dog to the park and I was still cold. (**insert obscene profanities here**) Okay, I just had to get that off my chest. Moving on... We are nearly a month into 2006 and I have yet to write my "New Years post". Okay, so here it is. First I'll recap 2005. I could look at it two ways: NEGATIVE: Other than April, May, & part of June, 2005 sucked. In fact, the sooner I forget it ever happened, the better. POSITIVE: 2005 was a difficult year, there is no denying that. I showed amazing strength and revealed big weaknesses as well. It is neither good nor bad, it just is. As with all the years before it, 2005 allowed me to get to know myself better. In the end, amazing things happened last year that I wouldn't trade for the world. Here are the highlights: [P E O P L E] Two major chapters closed: a 4+ year romantic relationship and 10+ year friendship ended in 2005. It was time and I am thankful for all the years that we shared. I met lots of new people last year that I may never had if I'd still been in a relationship. Lots of casual friends and one life-long one. [P L A C E S] I went backpacking!!!!!! And I made friends that are into all of the outdoor sports I love. There are amazing trips in the works for this summer. :) I also moved back to my hometown. Although I'd be happier living somewhere else, it lessened the financial burden and allowed me to heal. In essence it has been a break from the "real world" and a much need one at that! [T H I N G S] I have a completely new wardrobe. After years of "dressing down" for an insecure boyfriend, I found I really enjoy dressing up. While not mainstream, I've found my own unique style that expresses my femininity. That was a prime example of how easy it is to be negative. There is always a way to put a positive spin on things, sometimes it just takes more effort. Another important part of 2005 was blogging. It served as both a creative and an emotional outlet for me. There were many times when I couldn't articulate my feelings anywhere else but on this blog. Here is a recap of my blogging year by the first sentence of each month's entry. January: I broke my engagement with Yoni and ended the relationship. February: What was I doing at 7am? March: Wow, it has been a while since I've written. April: ...here are ten exams for this week and ten assignments due next week. May: "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful." -- Denis Waitley June: The first title of this blog was "The Whirlwind Ahead". July: I'm taking a trip down south. August: I've moved on to the occasional coughing spell. September: I haven't posted nearly enough photos of my dog this summer. October: Guess who won today's running competition! November: I was a bunny. December: I was asked that question by a co-worker yesterday. Recap complete. From the feedback I got on 100 Things and what I have seen on other blogs, most people make resolutions for the new year. Some people delay the timing or call it by a different name - but they all seem like resolutions to me. I made resolutions last year and completed them all except for 'get back into road racing'. I think I got a bit overzealous with that one. I have a short list of resolutions for 2006: Find my inner strength. Finish my degree. Get a Brazilian bikini wax. Try a different approach to relationships: with my head instead of my heart. Spend more time alone. Go on at least three backpacking trips. Take a vacation. I am getting that new camera!!! Learn how to play at least a children's song on guitar. Get back into road racing. (HA HA HA!!) I have a good feeling about this year ;) Smiley for the Day: