2014: So long, farewell

Let me begin my last post of 2014 by first wishing my brother the happiest of birthdays! He turns 21 tomorrow and I am definitely more excited than he is.  He's a pretty cool guy and I'm proud to say I had a hand in making him who he is today.  21 is a fun birthday and I can't wait to celebrate it with him!

Now, the time has come, to say goodbye to 2014.  Over the past couple months I've complained a lot about how much weight I've gained and how little money I have.  It's true that my motivation has dwindled and I'm quite rounder than I have been in awhile but overall, 2014 has been an absolutely amazing year.  I have good health and a circle of friends and family that are amazing.  That's nice to have.  I would say my proudest acheivement this year would be landing a full time job teaching English at the University of Alabama.  Occasionally I like to stalk myself on Facebook and I came across a status I posted that said, "I'm so grateful to have a job, a steady check and a fairly laid back environment but man I love teaching.  I even love the grading that I complain about because when I see that my help with their thesis statement "clicked" and they "get it;" it feels awesome.  I think they feel pretty great when that happens too.  Some people never find what job makes them happy but I have and one day I hope it's my only gig but sometimes you have to take on more of the things you don't love to get to the things you do. Work hard y'all!" I wrote that over two years ago and this summer I found out all that hard work and wishing earned me a full time gig.  I am a lucky person but I'm proud to say it wasn't only luck that landed me that position. I worked my butt off.  I had three jobs for a long time.  I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to now and I know that means I'm incredibly blessed.

When thinking about what I want for 2015 two things come to mind.  First, I'm starting a new diet (slow carb) and my goal will include dropping pounds but most importantly I hope to rediscover the initiative that I once had.  I want the will power back and I want to be healthy.  I have never given up but the spark I once had isn't nearly as bright as it used to be.  In 2015, I intend to do better than ever. I am going to weigh next Monday for the first time in awhile and then I will know how many pounds I gained and how much work there is to be done.  I'm nervous but I'm ready to take on the challenge and get going again.  Second, I want to write more.  When I had three jobs I felt like I had an excuse and then when I went from 48 students to 118, I needed some adjustment time to balance everything. Now, I have no excuses.  I have to make time for writing.  It's my first love and I'm so ashamed I haven't given it the time it deserves. Those are my goals.  Clearly, I want to balance my time and finances better but those are always goals that I have.

Finally, Bama is playing in NOLA in a couple days.  We are going up against Ohio State in the first round of playoff games.  I may be going to New Orleans for the festivities but I'm not sure yet.  When  I post next week, I'll talk about my first weight goal of the new year, my initial impression of the slow carb diet and share pictures from the week.  I hope you all have a safe and happy new year.  PS I had an AWESOME Christmas so thanks to everyone special in my life that made that happen.  Love y'all!