Oh my God. Oh my God.

I haven't written in this journal in forever. Holy crap.

Looking back through this brings back crazy memories. I've grown up. It's obvious. Some of the things I've written in here make me cringe. I've definitely, definitely gotten a bit wiser, and my writing style has improved greatly.

It's kind of amazing, looking back and seeing this stuff from eighth grade. I'm now a junior in high school. Where did time go? I remember thinking about what high school would be like, and now, in two years, I'll be off to college. Freaky.

I remember being friends with Megan and Adam and being closer with Julie. Now, I barely talk to Megan, Adam, and Julie, Shelbie doesn't hate me, I listen to Bad Religion, my best friend is still Shayna (and we don't fight as often, hah) I'm far, far more aware of my surroundings, and I know more about politics instead of just assuming. I've started being more accepting of beliefs and I've realized that not accepting Christianity is just as closed-minded as Christianity not accepting certain people, so I've stopped doing that. I'm somewhere between agnostic and Christian, and a definite bleeding-heart liberal.

My favorite teacher is a conservative republican.

I can't imagine my eighth grade self ever liking someone if their views weren't the exact same. I don't need sycophants anymore. I need good friends and people I can respect. Who cares if they don't agree with every word I say? I don't want that, anyway. I want debate and the exchange of ideas and interesting discussion. That's what keeps things alive. I like where I am now. I'm glad that I've grown.

I hope I continue to.