Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Today has been a day of very mixed emotions for me. I love the Christmas season (except for the music). I absolutely love giving gifts and experiencing the joy on people's faces. But oddly enough, it hasn't been enough for me this year.

I've spent the past two days at my parent's house, where I do enjoy myself. While I do love my apartment, sometimes, it's just a good feeling to be at home. But I can't shake this feeling of emptiness that has been occurring over the past couple of weeks. I hate the fact that my sister/bro-in-law/nephew aren't here to spend Christmas with me and my parents, but I know that eventually, they will stay in GA once. It's sounds so dumb, but I love thinking back to when my sister and I were kids and would fight to open presents first.

I guess I've learned over this past year whom is really special to me and who isn't. I have a huge tendency to care too much and to do too much for people. A friend of mine keeps telling me, "Christine, you're a great girl. You really are. You're miserable because you care too much and you let yourself get walked all over." How true, even though I really hate to hear that statement. (Thanks D.)

I don't believe in making New Year's Resolutions, but I am striving for complete happiness in 2011. It's time for me to care more about me and less about the people who, ultimately, never have cared about me. I am blessed to have the close friends and family that have struck by me over the past couple of months. I know they were difficult. I can't thank you enough. I'm attempting to do so here.

Mom: You've always been there for me, no matter what. Even if it wasn't feasible, you were always there to take me to lunch, talk to me at midnight, or wake me up at 8am asking me about one of my tweet's. Never can I replicate the love you have given me.

R: We've been best friends for five years now and I can honestly say that you've never supported yourself to me more than this year. You've held me up in my toughest times and made me feel like I could make it through anything. I can't ever repay that.

M: Even from 1000 miles away, you're always there with "I'm hopping on a plane just for a Christine hug" or "Damn girl, when do I get to see your face?". After 17 years, we're still going strong.

D: While only being friends for a short time, you've helped me realize my true worth. True friends understand and aren't afraid to say the truth, even though it hurts.

I have many people to thank, but these four have helped me through some of the toughest times this year. Going through my final year of college, dealing with a rough breakup, going back to serving after not knowing what to do post-graduation, and everything else, they've been there. I can't wait to see what 2011 has to hold for me, because I know I have these people there to support me through anything.

I can't wait to experience all of the new in 2011. I have an optimistic feeling about the future. :-)

SHOES!

Everybody knows my love for shoes. These two are my new loves.

Vince Camuto Mistys

Jessica Simpson Alany

I'm pretty sure I need shoe therapy.

Oops

I hardly ever get on my computer anymore, so I hardly ever update this blog anymore. In the new year, I plan to change that. I've realized that I rely on my iPhone way too much. (Doesn't everyone?)

I promise, I'll get back on here and update everyone on my life. Soon.... :-)