It's day two of the year 2016, and so far, it's been smooth sailing. I made it through my finals back in December, saw Star Wars VII (more about that later), had a lovely Christmas with my family, and a Happy New Year's Eve. I hope everyone else has had a good holiday season.

This year I hope to write more, both on this blog and for other sites. I want to try and submit as much work as I possibly can to publications I love. I also hope to make the Dean's List sometime this year, whether it's this semester or the next (I've finally completed my struggle with Italian courses, so I think there's hope for my grades). I've never been one to write out New Year's resolutions, but I have some serious goals in mind, and I really need to get working on them.

I'm going into this year with a positive mind set, which I hope stays in place throughout the next 12 months. I'm half way through my sophomore year college, 3/8 through my college career. I've found a program of study that I really love, and can't wait to continue. I want to make 2016 a good year, both inside and outside of school.

So, welcome 2016, and all that you have in store for me. I am very excited (and a bit nervous/scared) to see how everything pans out.

And now, moving on to a different topic. Something outside of the New Year, in fact it was released in the final month of last year (I can't believe 2015 is now LAST year!).

WARNING: I'm about to say a few things about Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I don't think any of it is really spoilers, but just a heads up.

So, I am in no way ashamed to admit that I have seen Star Wars VII three times already. My best friend, Aleta and I saw it on opening night, and then I saw it with my sister and our friend, Sara, last Monday, and I went with my friend, Ciara, to see it again the next day.

Each time there were details that I missed before. I won't go into too much detail, but I will say that Poe Dameron is now one of my favorite characters of all time. Rey is the female protagonist we have all been waiting for, and BB-8 is beyond adorable. Also, Kylo Ren is an incredibly interesting character, and I hope we get more background on him in the next film.

I hope everyone had a happy holiday season, and that you all have a lovely 2016!

x
Casey

PS: I have spent way too much money on Star Wars over the last few weeks. Three cinema tickets, two posters, a hat, four pairs of socks, three shirts, five nail polishes, three lipsticks (that's right, there is now Star Wars nail polish and lipstick), a coloring book, a notebook, 2 sticker packs, and two Funko Pop! figures.