what i've learned

2008 is almost over. I don't wanna be cheesy or anything, because talking about the past year certainly has potential for a LOT of cheesiness. "i've learned so much. i may have regrets, but i'm letting them go. i'm starting new, with the new year!" I just get kinda sick of people saying things like that. Because every year people make resolutions and promises to themselves and the people around them, and end up breaking them maybe...a month into the new year. Usually sooner rather than later. Actually, maybe that's not entirely correct...maybe that's just what people think. It really depends on the kind of resolution you make. Drastic isn't what people should shoot for when it comes to New Year resolutions.

But anyways, despite whatever cheesiness ends up in this post, I suppose I really have learned a lot this year. I know I've changed...I've faced tremendous difficulty time and time again. At least, I think it's difficult. Compared to much more terrible things, my difficulties weren't that bad. And I survived, of course. Learned what I could. I've made steps toward changing some things--my habits and how I act around people in particular. I'm nowhere NEAR finished, but taking steps is the important thing. Trying, not giving up, no matter how difficult the journey seems.

Since this year is almost over and it really has impacted my life, I have some things to say. I won't use names, but if you recognize what I'm saying, it's probably pointed toward you. :)

First, thanks to those of you who follow this blog for actually reading this (dunno how many people actually read what I write, and probably a lot less find it...interesting or enjoyable, lol).
let's see....I wanna thank my twin for making my life enjoyable cause it's so fun hanging out with you, and you always remind me God loves me and stuff like that. You're way awesome and we really need to hang out more outside of school. Seriously. I'll try not to make you TOO hyper, I promise ;)
To another girlie, I feel like recently we haven't been as close cause I don't see you that much, but I'm really sorry and I really wanna talk to you more. Thanks for listening to me when I talk, though, and giving me advice :)
To my chemistry buddy, thanks for helping me in that class and giggling with me about random stuff, lol. And thanks for getting me into Taylor Swift!
To my "awesome" cousin, thanks for being funny and not debating with me too much this year.
To another person, thanks for putting up with all of my ranting and...yeah, just a lot of ranting. And thanks for helping me realize I actually need to talk more and find a way to be myself. I don't know how else I would have figured it out, haha.
To all of my friends, thank you for BEING my friend and putting up with everything about me. I promise I'll try to open up more and actually be myself during this next year, and after it.

So yeah...I think overall 2008 has been a good year. It had a gigantic impact on me, that's for sure. I am....excited, and nervous, for 2009. It's scary to think about what might happen in an entire year, if so much can happen in a single day or a single minute, even. But it's also exciting. Inspiring, even. There's so much opportunity and experience waiting for me out there. I just hope I won't mess up too badly.

"Measure your life in love" <3

stephanie