Now that we’re comfortably about halfway through 2011, I think it’s about time we all take a moment to check in with ourselves. Pay a little visit to the Introspection Station. (Note: It’s really disappointing that despite spelling similarities, that really doesn’t rhyme. Like, at all.) Figure out what’s going on in here so we can evaluate what we’re doing out there. Play along with me, will you?

I personally didn’t make any concrete New Year’s resolutions because my fragile ego can’t handle more than my typical amount of failure, but I sort of had this idea that maybe 2011 would be the year that I could just Do Better. That’s pretty broad and subjective, right? And by broad and subjective, I mean totally attainable. Now, I have to give credit where credit is due — I really rocked the shit out of 2010 if my selective memory serves, but 2011 is essentially supposed to be 2010: Extreme Heights. I love a good challenge.

As an example, back in 2010, my love for the bottle was starting to concern me (mostly because I’m poor, not because I have any qualms about being a drunk). I’m proud to report that my relationship with alcohol has completely evolved. I no longer depend on alcohol to have a good time or to fix me. Now, alcohol depends on me. To drink it. My, how the tables have turned.

Last year, I was kind of a jerk to my boyfriend about things that really weren’t his fault. Fast forward to this morning: I realized I lost a check and he was home, so of course I flipped out at him, but while I was flipping out, I internally acknowledged that it wasn’t his fault that I misplaced my check. My 2010 self would never have had the insight or altruism to do this. I’m not exactly taking home any Girlfriend of the Year awards, but if you’ll notice, I never wanted to be the best. Actually, that’s a lie, of course I want to be the best. But I’m saving that for 2012, after I have a year of experience under my belt. I’m only aiming to do better.

And in 2010, I was unemployed. This year, I have a job. I know. I’m killing it this year.

Extreme heights indeed! Maximum altitude reached! At this rate, who knows what I’ll be like at the close of 2012. I might not even recognize myself in the mirror. But so far, I’m mostly just fatigued. You read about all the warnings, but you never fully realize how stressful it is being a chronic over-achiever until you actually are one. I think my wine needs me.