Auld Lang Syne

"It's gonna be a great year!" I tried to persuade her.

"But we're going to be so old this year," Christina frowned. Somewhere between her lines of grumbling protests I understood what she was saying. Why should two single, jobless women celebrate a year that was going to quickly usher them into their mid-twenties? It didn't bode well for us Utah girls. I laughed at her disdain for Father Time, not because I didn't feel for her pain but because I realized for the first time just how excited I was for 2008. It was going to be a big year: I could feel it.

"Great in '08, Ghetto, that's the theme!", I smiled. "It's gonna be a great year!"

We finished the drive in silence, letting the year unfold before us. I didn't know then, one year ago, what I know now- the grimy details of the happies, the sads, the goods, and the bads. But I knew it then: 2008 was going to be important; it was going to be big.

Now, with all the details tucked into my memories, I find myself replaying the last 12 months of my life like clips from a movie: In 2008 I re-learned how to learn and fell in love with school. I fell in love with running and surprised myself time and again that I could be successful in something that I had always previously ascribed to others. Now somehow it's mine, too. I spent 75 miles on a bicycle. I embraced the idea of spandex in public. I picked up the guitar again, and put down my addiction for caring with other people think. I found a new appreciation for mustaches and antlers. I hiked Bryce Canyon with my mom and sisters and scaled ancient cliff dwellings with my dad. I watched my brother say "I Do" and realized that it's okay that right now, for the time being, I'm saying "I Don't". I took a flying leap of my own brand of faith and left a job that I hated (the landing is to be continued... see next year's '09 post...) I mailed an important Letter. I met new people. I made dear friends and lost dear friends. I took the GRE, and it took me. I applied to grad schools anyway. I bought red high heels. I created a softball team. I moved in with my sister. I missed my dad. I appreciated my family. As we are. I listened to great music, laughed alot, and danced even more. I became a Hero, got completely LOST, and aimed to be the Biggest Loser. I rented a U-Haul for the first time. I found what is possibly the best apartment. Ever. And the best landlord. Ever. With the best roomie. Ever. I spent the Holidays at home for the first time in three years. I achieved my goals. I tasted success. I swallowed disappointment. I voted. I protested. I cheered. Although I didn't always know it at the time, I enjoyed the crap out of 2008.

Oh yes. It was a big year.

So here's to the chisel labeled 2009, and a raised glass for all of you who shared in '08 with me:

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,

And gie's a hand o' thine;

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.