2011 In Review

When I don’t think about the awfulness of graduate school 2011 was a really good year for me. For the first time in 5 years I am no longer in pain every single day.   An improvement in this one seemingly small facet of my life has helped me in other areas.  I am now able to socialize more instead of spending all my free time catching up on sleep due to extreme fatigue.  I am also a much happier person. I now realize  how depressed I was when I suffered from constant pain.  I no longer feel that dark cloud over me. I feel free. Even still, I’m not 100% pain free and I’m not sure if I ever will be.  I have to wait 6 months for this medication to kick and I already feel better after 2, but I still experience a significant amount of pain. I know I talk about my health a lot but right now it’s probably the number one thing in my life that’s constantly on my mind so now onto another topic…

I finished the master’s program in June, but didn’t get a master’s because I started the PhD program in August.  The master’s program was easy but the PhD program is tough. I’m really going to have to step it up this quarter and the subsequent one after that. I have the big test to pass in June and I’m really nervous.  I did horrible my first quarter but I’m sure if I focus more things will work out just fine.

I was really hoping by the end of 2011 I would be in some sort of relationship but I am not.  Some days it gets me down, but then when I see how some people have let relationships ruin their lives, I am content with waiting for the right person.

I have been able to discern my true friends more so this year than any other.  As I get older the friendships I make are stronger than ever before and it always feels nice to know you have a few good friends (especially if you are as socially awkward as I am).

So 2011, I’d give you an 8/10.  Which is pretty high for me. It’s been the best year for me that I can think of. I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store!