Best of 2006: My Writing

One day a week or so ago, I discovered that someone had gone through my entire xanga blog and read all of my old posts, dating back to last December. Sort of curious as to what exactly they were reading, I've spent some time doing the exact same thing. I just finished a little while ago, and I've come to some conclusions.

• I used to be a better writer. Plain and simple. I know that I am not a good writer by any means, but I used to be better. This can probably be credited to the following observations:
  
• My life was more interesting. Maybe not more interesting, but more fun. I think I was way less stressed, and that had a lot to do with things being more interesting and fun. I was also a little boy crazy and not frustrated with boys, so that helped too.
  
• I read a whole lot more. I had a lot more free time as a sub, which meant I got to read kids books, teacher books books on religion, psychology, you name it!
  
• My life really is good. Even when things have been rough, I've had great friends and great opportunities, and God has ben very present all the time.
  

All of that said, I've made some realizations. I need to be more deliberate about my decision making, my words, and my actions. When I say I will do something, I need to do it. I need to be less self-focused, and spend more energy caring for others. And I need to be oh so very mindful about how my words affect others.

So now, for some highlights! Read!

• December 23, 2005: I was new to xanga, and I blogged a lot. About everything. Fun times!
• December 25, 2005: Last Christmas sure was a lot of fun. I really hope that this one can measure up. I worry that I'll get mopey if it doesn't.
  
• January 1, 2006: I failed my New Year's resolution within a week of making it. I'll just have to repeat it this year and try again.
• January 18, 2006: I need to do more photo blogs like this one. I don't know if this is a favorite because of how it's presented, or because it was such a memorable weekend, or both.
  
• January 24, 2006: I could be teaching in Yuma, AZ right now. I'm so glad I'm not. But I do wish I was teaching somewhere. Resumes over break!
• February 23, 2006: None of these great plans that I had for my summer actually happened. lots of reasons for that, mostly no money. This summer, perhaps? Hopefully there'll be someone who will be adventurous with me!
• April 3, 2006: I love my friends. I nearly cried again just reading about how they were there for me when my grandma was dying.
  
• September 17, 2006: Boys. Boo.
• October 4, 2006: I've learned a lot about myself and the nature of relationships in the past few months. I'm glad. I think I'm a better person because of it. But man, becoming a better person sure isn't easy.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for the new and improved Jessie. I'm going to read more, reflect more, and stick to my word more.