Since my last post on December 5th, 2009, quite a few things have occurred in my life both online and offline. Most notably, a new decade has begun, but I bet you already knew that. Being only five days into the year 2010, my 2010 has gotten off to a pretty grand start and simply keeps getting better with every passing day.

I’m sure you’re all curious as to why this website has changed so drastically since my last entry. In truth, this is not the same website at all. The Haley.nu Network is now defunct, and is thus setup to redirect to this newly created site when accessed. The decision to replace my old network with Mia Chimera (the site you are at now) was one I had contemplated for a while but did not act on until late December 2009. There were many factors that went into the change, and I highly encourage you to explore the subpages of this site to fully understand what this site means and represents. I’m sure some of my explanations are rather wordy or boring, but if you are really bored, they will definitely pass the time!

In the offline world, I have been extraordinarily busy and somewhat overwhelmed by recent events. December was the start of the holiday season for most of us in the USA, my family being no exception. There was plenty of shopping, decorating, and cooking to do, as well as studying for my college finals. After a month of all that, I was pretty exhausted. However, post-Christmas has been probably even busier than all of December; everything I’ve done, though, has been well worth the effort!

In the past week and a half, I have not only found a wonderful apartment of my own, but also gotten my very own car! It’s been sort of surreal to finally be able to literally see my future getting closer and closer. Driving in a car for the first time was a little nerve-wracking, but I have continually become more confident as I drive more every day. My apartment is ready to move into at this very moment, but I need to get my belongings and furnishings in order prior to the actual move. I have been so utterly fortunate to get all this taken care of in such a short amount of time. I start my second semester of college on the 20th of January, and I am greatly looking forward to being able to drive my car to school and back home to my apartment. It’s so exhilarating!

While the past few weeks have been very productive, they have not been completely stress-free. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but I am optimistic because I know things are going to change quite drastically very soon. I hope to be able to get my priorities – both online and offline – in better order to make room for things to come. I may have to cut down the time I used to spend on certain activities, but I know that it will all pay off in the end.

With this year looking so good thus far, I can only hope all of you will have a wonderful 2010, as well! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and I am glad to be back blogging again!

Today is Veteran’s Day here in the USA. Before the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq started, many young people didn’t really think about veterans since conflict abroad wasn’t constantly on our minds. Now that the USA has had soldiers actively fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq for several long years, I personally believe that many young people – children to young adults – have a much better understanding of what exactly Veteran’s Day means and stands for.

Although my family tree can be traced back to western Europe, I am an American through and through. In the 17th and 18th centuries, my ancestors made their homes on American soil. Those same ancestors fought against the British in the Revolutionary War to give America her freedom. They fought against each other in the Civil War for the Union and the Confederacy. They fought with over 4 million of their peers in World War I. They landed at Normandy and brought hope to the persecuted. They actively volunteered to go to Vietnam and leave their families behind. These people were a part of many generations of soldiers ready and willing to sacrifice whatever they had to in order to server their country.

In times of war or conflict, there is always polarization in opinion. Some may support the fight at hand, others may not. However, I think we can all agree that supporting our veterans during – and after – their service is an honor.

Today, I sit and think of what my relatives – past and present – have gone through to serve their country. I think of the loneliness, the fatigue, the fear, the pain, and the trauma all of them experienced. I think of the thoughts and emotions they went through, and yet how they still kept on fighting. Knowing that so many of my family members had extraordinary strength, bravery, and courage makes me think that maybe, just maybe, some of that has passed to me, too.

On this Veteran’s Day 2009, please think of all of those who have served. Whether they fought decades ago, or days ago, they are all a part of our nation’s pride. As an American, I can say that I honor them. All of them.