In preparation for this journal, I went to see what I wrote at the end of last year. Turns out, it was nothing XD I guess I did a meme, but that's too cookie-cutter to say how things REALLY went down. I think since I had just joined FA, I concluded that all the effort would just have been in vain. The words never finding an eye to read them.

Looking back, I never thought I would come this far. I kind of had my expectations, but events of the past year have blown them far far away, exceeding beyond measure.

You probably heard through previous journals or discussions that I am powerfully introspective. Every word, every action can potentially be related to past, present, and future experiences. This is why I am somewhat serious when I say that I am my favorite topic of conversation. If ever I space out, it might be because I am trying to process too many things at once. You are also my favorite topic of conversation, too. Drawing connections... sharing experiences. The world is a big place, and I cannot experience everything there is by myself.

I didn't have high expectations, but I am always optimistic. It's difficult being slightly introverted yet having such an interdependent personality. I'd like to think my life is an open book. Probably not true, but it's what I have as my goal. Also, being somewhat isolated in the boonies seemed a little daunting, too. Thankfully, the internet was invented. I've historically successfully worn people down by seeing them on a regular basis. Skype FTW! If we haven't talked on skype in a while or ever, drop me a line. I'm usually on to receive messages during work, too :3 I am like water ...very fluid ...take the shape of whatever container I'm placed in ...and I will wear you down after thousands of years.

I remember my first meet in 2010. It was a mix of social nervousness and excitement from unbridled optimism. I don't think I said all that much to the 5 people that were there XD Then more meets kept coming getting more face time. Also, sifting through FA looking for people to give some love to helped as well. I took it upon myself to become some sort of Red River Valley welcome wagon and advocate of the awesomeness and welcoming nature of the RRVF crew. What was the motive? Maybe to give myself a sense of belonging more to the group. Pretty soon I was meeting all these new furs and seeing them meet the rest of the crew. Then, friendships were forged and everyone walked off into the sunset with your favorite song playing. At least that's how I imagine it went down. I tend to romanticize the past.

What else... Oh, I leveled up so much over the course of this past year. I went from nothing, to having a ref sheet, to having art of myself, to having art of myself with others, to having a collar, to having physical furry artwork in my apartment, to carpooling to furry events in the cities, to being a handler, to going to a furry rave, to having a partial fursuit, to going to overnight furry events, to having a furry twitter account (its not that hard to find LoL), to going to furry conventions, and now to helping coordinate and organize meets. By my count, I am at least a level 12 furry. I don't know what other scales of measure are out there.

Also, it was a very furry holiday season. Thanks to my furry family for letting me lean on you this year.

I want to apologize that I can't just fit everyone on to my profile page because you all mean the world to me... those in RRVF, those i've met from michigan, those I've meet in Chicago, those I've meet at MNFurs events, those I've watched and commented mercilessly with my 2 cents --including all my panda buddies, and those that have watched me. Just thinking about how one year ago, the vast majority of you were not in my life... it boggles my mind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping me in an almost constant state of euphoria. Give yourselves a big furry panda hug for me ^///^ I just came to the realization that I haven't mentioned a whole lot by name in this journal. There's just so many to list and I don't want to leave you out. On an emo note, I dread the day where I stretch myself too thin with the people in my life. This is always a constant concern. If It is perceived that I ignore you or offend you, I wish to hear about it. The CQI department of my brain is ready and eager to hear your concens and take action on your behalf.

"treat others the way you would like to be treated" This explains a lot of my actions. Sounds kind of selfish and self-serving to me.

Also, I was inspired long ago by one of my friends in high school regarding my modus operandi. Live your life so that people think you are too good to be true. Aiming for the stars I guess.

So much furry art! And more in the works XD I went through my favorites and pic'd a few of my favorites in the history of everything

This how I imagine it going down when I give hugs
STREEEEETCH X3
Hey buddy :3
nom nom nom
*CLING*
I am a disease
Just some reference material
stop, y'all are makin me blush
I am a victim of circumstance
*snugs*
BONUS PANDA SONG! <3 <3 <3

I guess the plan for the next year is to keep being super excite and furry. Meet new peeps and continue to hang out and chat with peeps. Maybe get some more furs to my apartment >:3 Perhaps draw maybe a little. Also, get pictures with people. Photos are powerful weapons of nostalgia

PS: The vicious rumors of me being not so secretly addicted to hugs/snugs are not not true