here comes the...new year

SOTD: Lea Michele (Glee) "Don't Rain On My Parade"

Ironically, it is actually raining right now, but that isn't why I chose this song. I chose it because it embodies the mindset I want to start the new year with; full steam ahead, nothing will get in my way. I am determined to make the most of 2011. 

There are a few things I am really looking forward to this year. 

Like every girl who has ever imagined herself to be a princess or planned a fairy tale wedding, I am obsessed with the impending nuptials between Prince William and Kate Middleton. At barely 9 months old, I was much to young to remember the royal wedding between Prince Charles and Diana, but my mom assures me we watched it together in the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps that is where my obsession with the royal family actually began. I still remember where I was when I heard the news of Diana's death and I remember crying for the first time over the loss of someone I had never even met.

I became aware of Kate Middleton about 5 years ago and I have been captivated by her since. Her style, her elegance, her patience. No one could ever replace Diana, but Kate Middleton is the closest thing to a revival I could ever hope to imagine. I've read a couple of books about her and I have no doubts that she will follow in Diana's footsteps as an ambassador of good will and champion of charity. 

On April 29th, I plan to wake early and sit with the rest of the world and watch as history is made yet again. For the first time in over 100 years, a commoner will marry into the royal family. This, my friends, is the epitome of fairy tale.

There is another, less royal, but equally anticipated set of nuptials I am excited to witness this year. On July 16th in a little Colorado town called Beaver Creek my favorite college roommate, Kirsten Goodman, will marry the most understanding guy I've ever met, Mr. Kerry Connor. 

I remember the first time Kirsten 'brought Kerry home to meet the friends' and started what would be an annual trip to Knoxville. Usually during the month of October, the two would arrive for a long weekend that at the very least always included a Vols game and a trip to Barley's. Kerry and I hit it off the very first time we met. I remember thinking what a perfect match; Kirsten's personality tends to border on the highly energized side and Kerry is more laid back and go with the flow. They really balance each other well. 

I missed seeing them this year, but not long after their visit at the beginning of the football season, I got a call from Kirsten confirming what I knew was inevitable, they were engaged! I am so happy for them and even more thrilled to be there to share in the excitement with them.

Weddings aren't the only thing I'm looking forward to this year, they just happen to be the only things with actual dates set. 

I have every reason to believe that I will in fact find a job this year. Yes, I have a freelance media archiving gig for the moment, but I would really like to find something a bit more structured and permanent. I have another interview later this week, so cross your fingers!

Also, this year I plan to reconnect with old friends. I have been back, living in my hometown, for nearly 4 months now and I've only really spent time with one of my old friends. At some point I have to stop thinking about the person I want to be and the things I want to do and just go for it.

Whatever happens this year, when I look back a year from now, I want to be able to say that I didn't let Nobody Rain on my Parade!