I hope everyone had a good holiday and started off the new year well. lol@synbios_. A brief summation of the past decade for myself.

2000 - Second year of college at the Kansas City Art Institute, but three years of other colleges (graduated high school in 1995).
2001 - End of a relationship that in hindsight was doomed from the start. Haven't been involved with anyone since. However, the summer class trip to Europe was one of the best experiences of my life. Final Fantasy XI for PC in Japan came out in November.. and I'm still here... As for 9/11, I remember finding about it during morning classes.
2002 - Depression and MMORPG addiction don't mix...
2003 - Finished college, went back home to New York.
2004 - Worked briefly as a photographer, but discovering the reality of not being able to find work right out of school.
2005 - Started my LiveJournal entries, FFXI addiction was probably at it's peak. Started a new job in Brooklyn.
2006 - Work and FFXI, Whm/Pld phase kicked in, and I got my first FFXI job to 75 after 5 years.
2007 - Nico Nico Douga launched, I was the 588,106th to sign up. Burn out from FFXI began to set in. I made the decision to leave my job in search for a better opportunity after many months of consideration. Had I known the economy would be tanking shortly after, I would have stayed. Turned 30 D:
2008 - Descended into the depths of being a hikikomori, full of anime and Nico Nico Douga. Not a pleasant year. I managed to improve my health at least.

As for 2009, It was not a good year as month by month I was feeling the pressure of increasing debts with zero income. I was seriously thinking that I may have to give up my goals as an artist of some sort. I got my lucky break near the end of the year and found a job that I am capable of doing and lets me apply the skills I studied so hard for. Things are starting to fall into place, and after a rough jump start, this new year should be much better.



My weight has taken a detour since I was despairing in the later part of the year. I'm back up to 150lbs, which is not what I was hoping for. I've been fighting off this cough for about 3 weeks and trying to plan out when I can fit in exercise time. The commute home from work takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic/weather conditions. I'm pretty beat by the time I get home, and still have to eat dinner. I may either have to will myself to work out right when I get home, or in the mornings. While I didn't reach my goal, I won't beat myself up over it. My diet and eating habits are much better now, and having a job again alleviates the biggest problem I had. I'll still aim for 130 again by the end of this year.

All in all, it's been a tough ride but I'm still kicking somehow. Let's all have a good year.