And Another Year Passes

"Stern, firm and young with a laid-back tongue. The aim is to succeed and achieve at 21."

September 30, 2011 went ahead and passed and now I'm 21 years old.

Wow, life has certainly done a lot of changing from the time I wrote a birthday post in 2010. However, some things have remained the same. There are still a lot of things I conceal from people, still a lot of growing for me to do, still a lot of uncertainty. But, also a lot of incredible moments, great music, awesome and hilarious times with friends, tears, smiles and life-changing experiences.

So again I reflect on life, looking comparatively to this point last year:

I use both tumblr and twitter way more than I use blogspot, something I regret but can't really help.

I have maintained a good friendship with my best friend who is a college grad now.

I got the internship I wanted, it was an amazing experience. It didn't pay as much as any of my prior summer internships but it was closer to my career aspirations, gave me great tips and tools, and allowed me to meet some of the most beautiful people I've ever encountered, inside and out.

My brother is better settled in Orlando and I was able to spend some time at his house. My parents really miss having us around.

My mother was laid-off but found temporary employment, used unemployment and continues to try to make things work. But, since my last birthday post, she's had two heart attacks. I love and try to appreciate her even more. My father got yet another new principal and has lost connections with the assistant principals he befriended who have moved on to other jobs.

Still living in the Morehouse Suites, still awkward but not too bad.

Financially things weren't as bad this school year. It meant more loans but I and my family tried to be more strategic with our financial plans.

I am the Managing Editor of my school's newspaper, a burden and a blessing.

I've renewed a few friendships, lost some, and built on/created quite a few.

I'm still utilizing friendships and relationships in school and elsewhere, a little more effectively.

I'm probably still as cynical, but in a nicer way.

I have another crush on an AUC lady, or maybe more than one. Meh.

I continue to depend on faith, and try to let my work equal it.

I've come close to tears a few times in some depressing and frustrating times but not very frequently at all.

I've gotten even more incredible music.

I've continued to learn academically and introspectively.

I'm a little less concerned about the future but not much, still working on not worrying about it so much.

My sense of humor and comedic timing are still as strong.

I'm still not a great driver.

I still haven't kissed a girl, in a legitimate way, since my last ex.

I still have a slight crush on girl #1 but still not much more than a friendship there.

I do still regret not breaking up with my girlfriend before college.

I am more social in general, but not in an out of character way.

Still not huge on partying, it's cool but still not entirely me. I drink a lot more often though.

I know how to approach a girl and tell her I have feelings for her, I'm just not courageous enough.

Still don't have low self-esteem, still recognize that I'm a pretty nice looking guy but not exemplary.

No major injuries or sicknesses to report.

Still aware of my surroundings in public, don't really care all the way about perceptions.

Still no girlfriend, but I have a lot of other good things in life. Hahaha.

Got to go back to, and spend a while in New York, I'll probably be back there for grad school or professionally in general.

Still not as big of a texter/caller. But, I'm doing better. People aren't though. Although, I interact with a lot of people through social networks.

Yeah, life and people are still amazing in good and bad ways.

Ignorance is still bliss. I'm not generally ignorant.

No "Last Resort" here. Prayer, music, writing and hobbies are still therapeutic.

My posts on here have become ghost-like.

Got a few pairs of shoes, but still work to be done.

My laptop is still holding on.

2010 Homecoming was incredible, I am certain this (my last undergrad one) will top it.

Video game skill has not escaped me. I'm still improving on FPS's though.

Was able to go to a good mix of hip-hop and other genre concerts, especially over the summer.

Went home for Spring Break again, was a hermit again, but I needed a bit of a break as I usually do from people.

Still kept over a 3.5 GPA.

And that's all from one year to the next. A lot of things are the same for me, but certain things have begun to change and I hope to continue to grow so that when I'm 22 (!!) I can report a great deal of positive change here, but nothing drastic. 'Tis all.