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365 and I Didn´t Waste A One

Originally I was going to write a humble, what-I’ve-learned sort of review of 2010’s major events for me. That’s kind of my thing, anyway. But then I started listing what’s happened this year and I decided to throw the humility crap out the window. I’ll just say it: this year was awesome. I’d be doing it a disservice if I tried to play it down.

1. U of I- My second semester of U of I was filled with interesting classes, new friends, and a lot of fun. My classes were varied and I learned so much that I still carry with me. (I can have a basic conversation in French, I can draw and label a cross section of a brain- to a certain extent, I learned about force and momentum and electromagnetism and a bunch of other things I’d never have learned about in an English class.) I got all A’s and made the Dean’s List again. I spent a lot of time applying, writing, and interviewing for the study abroad program that allowed me to be in Barcelona right now. I survived Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day, even if I did pass out by 8 o’clock that night.

2. Lost 50+ lbs.- I’ve done some cool stuff, but this one still impresses me. (Did I mention I’m throwing humility out the window?) Seriously, though, it’s had a profound effect on my life. For a year now I’ve been exercising regularly and eating much better. It’s changed the way I think about what I can do, what I should do, and why I should do it.

3. Brody Christopher- My nephew! To be fair, Keri did most of the work on this one, and I just get to do all the fun uncle stuff. The kid laughs at everything, which I’m pretty sure means he’ll do just fine in life. I can’t wait to get back to the U.S. and hang out with the little guy. (But I do keep having dreams where I’m holding him and he keeps shrinking until he’s just in the palm of my hand and I have to be really careful. Strange, no?)

4. Barcelona- Frankly, the year could have ended in August and it would have been enough for me; Barcelona has been another thing entirely. It’s allowed me to travel to many beautiful places and meet a lot of wonderful people. I’ve gotten to know Barcelona pretty well, too, and Barcelona is a difficult city to know.

5. Next year- Next year I’m looking forward to showing my best friends and my mom around Barcelona, packing up and going home, and continuing/restarting my life there. I want to pay off my old debts and get myself an apartment. It’s obvious that this year has been one of major changes, and they don’t stop at midnight tonight; they’ll carry into next year. (Okay, so maybe there was a “what I’ve learned” element after all. I just can’t help myself.)

Comments

Trisha said…
I love this post! And you definitely did have a good year - due almost entirely to your own effort - so you should be proud.
December 31, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Kevin Pyle said…
I'm very proud of you for your accomplishments of the last several years. You took life by the horns and, well, as the kids are saying, made it your bitch. :o) Can't believe I just wrote that, but I'm gonna leave it.
It'll be great to have you back in the Spring, but I'm glad you're doing so much while you're there.
Keep writing...these posts should be published someday!
~Dad
January 1, 2011 at 12:38 AM
kaylee said…
You're the man, Pyle.
January 1, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Brandon said…
haha Do you know how hard it was NOT to include the phrase "made it my bitch" in this post?
It's awesome that you said it, though. lol
January 1, 2011 at 9:28 AM
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