I'm not perfect ...

Nor have I ever claimed to be.

And I have insecurities, and worries. I have hopes and dreams. I have secrets and things I'm not proud of.

I made the decision this time last summer that I was ready for something real, something honest ... I was ready for a relationship.

I made the realization in the fall that in order for that to be a good thing, and grow in a healthy direction, I needed to seriously look at my life and my influences. And I needed to start with pruning my social tree. To get rid of those who did not encourage me to goodness, who did not appreciate the person I am, and the one person who was strangling my faith.

The latter, was very difficult, and I find it kind of ironic that they were one of the influential people who helped bring me to Christ, and also the person who turned me off of church. I am not calling victim, I take responsibility for my decisions and actions. I was not 'duped', but they did abuse their influence in my life.

I made other painful snips and cuts in my social circle. I took a long, hard and honest look at myself, my life, who I was becoming. And I was not happy, nor was I proud. And I decided to change. I decided 2008 was the year of Jamie. And since the year is half over I thought I'd check in.

I am in a relationship with a wonderful man, who I love. And with whom I am excited to share the next weeks, months and hopefully years with.

I have gone back to school, and will be finishing in either December or April (depending on if I want to take two courses at once).

I have a wonderful roomie.

People have commented about how I have a much more positive glow about me. And I feel it too.

2008 is the year of Jamie, and I'm making it happen.