Fairwell my black balloon, may the weather have it's way with you.

My Farewell to 2008...

As the final days of 2008 come dwindling down to that all too anti-climatic New Year's Eve celebration, I can't help but reflect on the various events of the past year. 2008 brought with it a barrage of trials and tribulations that have made this year the one that has forced me to grow up the most. It was the hardest year; the most trying, the most challenging, and yet, the year with the happiest ending.

In 2008 I have...
Formed amazing friendships with people that I am so thankful to begin the new year with.

Stuck by my best friend through crazy times, crazy relationships and created even more unbreakable bonds in the process.

Gone to parties alone, had fun being a single girl, and realized that it's not so bad to go to bed with a good book and a dog.

Had my heart broken, remended and broken again.

Proved to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought possible.

Grown more into my body, my face and my personality.

Fallen so in love with a furry, four legged friend.

Learned to appreciate my relationship with my parents on a much more deeper level.

Learned who deserves my company, who doesn't, and still working on not caring about those who don't.

Had casual sex.

Made out with lots of wonderful and adorable boys.

Realized I'm not a slut for doing the above.

Discovered many great new bands.

Stopped feeling embarassed for loving chick country music.

Realized the importance of high thread count sheets.

Gone red, brown, and almost every color in between on my way back to blonde.

Have gotten some really unexpected life gifts from the unlikeliest of sources.

In 2009 I plan to....

Start working out more. (I know everyone makes this promise to themselves but I really want to start exercising more during the winter. Just because it's too cold to run, doesn't mean I have a 4 month excuse to be a lazy ass!)

Be vulnerable. The right guy isn't going to head for the hills if he sees you cry over a belly ache.

Let people in. They're not so bad when they care about you but I'll never know that if I never give them the opportunity to.

Stop shopping. I do not want to be on Dr. Phil for having 800,000 dollars of credit card debt.

Save money. One of these days I'll have more people relying on me than Halpert.

Keep writing my book. If I don't finish it, I'll always wonder what if.

Let go. Of everyone, everything and every thought that has made me unhappy in 2008.

Continue on in the path I've taken because so far, I am so, so happy and proud of myself.

To all of my friends and family who read this. I love you. You are the reason why I am where I am. I couldn't do it without you. I can't wait to spend 2009 with all of you.

Much, much love always :)