I would... probably be lying if I called 2008 an easy year. It certainly had the most ups and downs in recent memory!
Like I said, there were definitely bad points. The lowest point for me personally was probably getting rejected from thesis at school, which, no matter how much distance I get from it, the dent to my confidence is still there. I obsess a lot more over my writing than I did last year, which is partially a good thing, but by "obsess" I mean "I often feel like it's frivolous and childish and has no emotional resonance." In general, I just feel like I was happier with what I wrote last year.
And there were just some bad points, in general. Way too many deaths, for one: between friends of the family, actors, authors, and awesome public figures, the 2008 death toll was far too high for my liking. And as for classes, I don't think I've had a busier year in my life; even the year I moved wasn't quite this stressful!
That's not to say that 2008 was all bad. There were definitely high points, very high ones. The highest, of course, was getting into the Tokyo study abroad program! Between that and the beginning of my senior year, 2009 promises to be pretty eventful. <3
In general, I did quite a bit of fun stuff: had some great times with my roommates and the JSA, got to know more of you better, wrote a lot, the list goes on and on. And even though certain parts of 2008 sucked, I feel like some of those things, like the thesis rejection, better prepared me for things that I'll have to face on a regular basis. Even though it's not nice by any stretch of the imagination, I hope I'll be able to deal with it better next time around.
There are certain people that I'd like to thank for helping me get through this year, but I would be afraid to leave anyone out. So I'll say this, and I think you'll know who you are:
Thank you to those of you who listened to me when I needed to rant or cry or blow off steam, and thank you to those of you who cheered me up when I needed it. Your support means more to me than you know, and hopefully I'll be able to return the favor for you.
Thank you to those of you who read my writing. You didn't have to (which I know I've probably told you repeatedly) and there's nothing that makes me happier than knowing that it entertained you.
Thank you to any person who I rambled and fangirled with this year - there's nothing more fun. <3
Thank you to every single one of you, for still being here!
And to wrap things up, my resolutions for this year:
1. Write often - as much as you feel able to. And while validation from others is wonderful, it's important that you get it to a place where you can be proud of it, too.
2. As with every year, become more confident! Don't worry so much about things you can't change about yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst people can do is say no.
3. While in Japan, resort to English as little as possible, and find a good balance between having fun over there and talking with your friends over here.
4. That shiny YMCA membership you just got? Use it! Losing weight for Japan would be nice, but there are all sorts of other good things that'll come out of it. And for God's sake, go sign up for their karate classes.
5. Learn more recipes. Especially healthy ones!
6. Learn a new skill, if possible. Join a club in Japan, maybe one that you wouldn't have otherwise thought of joining.
7. And more immediately, finish up the holiday gift fics and cards, you lazy ass.
Happy almost-2009, you guys! I love you!
