On we go.

I haven't posted in this blog for over 2 years, and I went through the old entries and ended up deleting most of them. Because I'd like a fresh start, and most of the entries were from a very depressing point in my life and I'd like to move on from there. I saved one, though, because it was one of the only good memories I have from VI.

Two years can make a big difference - 2006 was definitely the worst year of my life, to date. And that was extremely disappointing because I had been looking forward to it so much. I was really depressed, the worst I've ever been, and even though I don't currently know which direction my life is headed, getting out of that situation was the best decision I've made.

These days I am happy - really happy - with my life. I have a wonderful group of friends here in Richmond, I am enjoying work, and I've begun writing my first novel. All of these things are just incredible and I cherish each day. That's not to say that things don't get tough sometimes, because they do, but I've grown up enough to know that if I just keep going things will be better.

The most wonderful thing in my life right now is my horse, Monty. I had really missed having a horse of my own - but I really had no idea how rewarding it could be. I pay for him myself, everything, and he's really the most incredible animal. I love the responsibility of having to take care of him, and even though he's still kind of a brat, it has been better than I ever knew it could be.

Mom even bought a horse this summer! It has been so fun to be able to ride together, and have a horse to ride sometimes that is not a baby, his name is Big Monty and he's wonderful. He takes really good care of her, and I'm really happy that we have this to share together. I've gotten a lot closer to her since I've been home, and Daddy, too - and they are a big part of why I'm doing so well these days.

I promise to lay off the "mush" the next time I post, but it was really moving to see all of the old posts in this journal and realize how far I've come with my life. Transferring to VI was a mistake - but I'm glad I did it, because it taught me a lot about myself and life and I think I am a much better person for it. You can't change the past but you can learn from it, and make yourself a better person because of it.


I'd like to conclude this post with a quote from Tolkien, that has been sitting in my AIM profile for months, and it is something that I find really inspiring:

"Go back? No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!"

Bilbo says this on page 77 of my Dad's version of The Hobbit, when he is lost in Gollum's cave, but you can really apply it to problems of any kind or just life in general. That Bilbo really is my favorite hobbit.