I feel like it's been way too long since I've updated everyone on issues surrounding my life, rather than simply post annoying and short snubs that my snip a tiny stitch off of the picture. Emotionally, I've been the same as ever. I oftentimes feel lonely, but I get by. The only major difference now is that many relationships are starting around me, namely amongst my friends, but I've realized that I seem to be left out. I know this sounds cheesy, but it seems like I'm missing something that everyone else seems to have. Don't give the whole "confidence" low-down, because I got that. My problem isn't talking to girls like it was when I was in eighth grade - it's getting to know them. My freshmen and even into my sophomore year I think what killed my chances in several would-be relationships because I became a "best friend," so I wasn't the "boyfriend" type. Realizing that mistake, I learned over a year ago to not get too close to girls. Especially in the last ten months, I've grown especially close to my guy group of friends, and it dawned on me a few weeks ago that I hardly ever talk to girls now. I really don't know what this comes down to, but it's been bugging me ever since I started thinking about it.

One of the ways that I want to "make up" for whatever it is I'm missing is running more. I've always lifted regularly (or semi-regularly, depending on the season :D), but not I have a much more planned out exercise schedule, which includes running four or five times a week. Loading myself with exercise might seem like a stupid idea, but it's helping me get into shape as well as relieve the ton of stress that I've been facing lately. Of course, it can also lead to stress, but with summer coming I won't be so strained for time (hopefully). I've never been much of a runner (more of a lifter), but I plan on doing a 5K race this summer, if not an all-out triatholon. Of course, I'd only do the latter if I absolutely was positively irrevocably sure that I was in proper shape.

School is school. I have slightly more homework than normal, but it's totally bearable. I've been getting a better work ethic all year long, so all I have is a couple cheesy snippets to write, an easy precalculus assignment and tons of reading for my AP English class (which I've fallen behind on my own accord :)). My grades are slightly better than last semester in terms of percentage, but I'm still worried about just a couple of my classes. I know I can do it, though, since after this weekend I will have easy, free life. I'll only have debate practice once a week gearing up for nationals, giving me more time for working out and homework (and fun! :)).

Since I can't dedicate myself regularly to anything from the time school gets out to late June/early July (ACT prep, debate practice, nationals, two weeks of laborious service work, possible SAT prep?), the chances are that I won't be able to come back to work this summer at my former grocery store. Nobody really wants to hire someone for one month, as August would mean band camp leading all the way up to the time school starts (which is relatively early - the third week, I believe). I have to search for another, non-official source of income. A paper route would be nice, since it's short and easy, but since I'll be busy at some times (June and August) and free at others (July), I'd mostly be interested in something that would hire for just a couple (two to three) weeks in mid-Summer. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open!

But yeah, that's my life pretty much. How are yours'?