Bye Bye 2008, Hello 2009

I haven't really posted on here lately because I really haven't had much to write about. Christmas was pretty cool, pretty normal. So far, I've been spending practically my whole Christmas break watching tv, IMing, and recording my prescreening stuff for college apps. And wow, these college apps are proving to be alot more difficult than I'd thought they would be. Like, I'm not sure if I'm lacking motivation and diligence to do them, or if they're actually meant to take a lifetime to complete. Regardless, I'm glad that at least I know where I'm applying. Colburn, Westminster Choir College, Swarthmore, and Chicago College of Performing Arts. I'm sorta thinking of adding UW-Madison into my list...I'm not really sure though. But since it's a state college, I think I have a bit more time to ponder it. As far as the New Year goes, I'm really looking forward to it. Because this upcoming year will hold alot of milestones for me, Lordwilling. My drivers license (hopefully....), graduating (okay, no formal grad ceremony or anything, but hey, I'll be done with highschool, and that's good enough for me,lol), and going to college (which means I'll be somewhere by myself for the first time ever). No, I really don't have any New Years' resolutions. I mean, I honestly don't see the point of them anyway.....I always break them,lol. And looking back on this past year brings lots of memories. The good and the bad. I have to say that the biggest highlight of this year was going to Eastman. I mean, that was the first time that I was actually alone somewhere for a long period of time without people that I knew. Or, I got to know them, but when I first got there, I didn't know them. And I think that Eastman taught me alot of stuff about responsibility. Like, for example, I got written up there once for being out practicing with someone past curfew. And sure, I was like 5 minutes over the curfew, and I wasn't even doing anything bad (not to mention I was late not because I didn't care, but because I had thought that the curfew was an hour later), yet that was the first time that I couldn't get out of trouble by smiling....or giving a sad face, or whatev. No, I had done something wrong, and I had to face the consequences of it head-on. And not only that, but I had to make decisions. Like, chill and swim at the YMCA with friends, or go practice for four hours. And, stay up in my bed until 2 and wake up at 6, or go to bed at 12 and wake up at 6. And, I walked away with a greater appreciation for classical (and okay, also world) music. I've also really enjoyed taking classes at UWRF. I mean, I didn't take a full college load, but if I include the hour of piano lessons that I took that would count as 2 college credits (but I didn't take them for college credit), I had 10 credits, and I really did learn a bit about what college is all about. Anyway, I think I'm gonna go watch some more tv. I know, I know, I'm TOTALLY wasting away my Christmas vacation. But hey, that's what Christmas vacation is for, right? :p Later,
Rachel