Looking back on my life, even in the past year, I cannot believe how much has changed. 

This year especially has been quite a learning experience.  Between relationships and job offers, friendships gained and friendships lost, somehow I've gained sight of what is really important in life. 

For the past few months, I have basically thrown myself into the dog world.  It all started with my volunteer work at the Humane Society.  As a dog socializer, then 'promoted' to a dog trainer, I began focusing more on the dogs and less on my own life.  No matter how bad things seemed to get outside of the shelter, there was always somewhere to go. 

I've said my good-byes to so many things that I've held dear to me over the past year.  Mostly friends, but also some unexpected things.  Old habits.  Old interests.  It is almost as if I've been completely blind for the past eighteen years of my life.  As if I wasn't really seeing the world for what it needs to be seen as. 

I still get angry sometimes.  Inexplicable moments of rage, most of the time as a result of being pestered by my immediate family.  If there is one thing I have come to realize over the past few months, it is that this house is no longer sufficiently holding onto five people.  My older brother is always with his girlfriend, my parents are both always at work, and my younger brother is here and there, spending most of his time alone in the basement. 

Despite losing most of the people around me for one reason or another, I feel like I've gained more than I've given up.  A new best friend in the form of a sweet, energetic border collie named Maizee.

Gosh, how great things are.

Broke college student is going to break into some of her savings to buy an energy drink (or six) tomorrow morning before her 8 AM (!!!) Elementary Algebra class.