As the final hours of 2014 wind down and 2015 is upon us, I couldn’t help going back and remember all the things that happened to me this year.  All of them are as if they just happened yesterday.  That old adage of “time flies when you’re having fun” does hold water after all.  Like I said on my Facebook post just before Christmas, 2014 is hands down the “best” year I’ve had.  The reason for the quotation marks is that I included the not-so-good things that came my way and attributed them to something positive in a sense.  Confusing, right?  Let me put it this way:  whatever hurt, pain, setback, betrayal, failure, heartbreak, or disappointment I experienced tested me.  And boy, did they test me.  With that, I was able to realize what I am made of, what I can do (and how far I’d go), what are my limits, and how true to my word and to myself I really am.  That includes a major shakeup in my faith.  At least I can honestly say that I am holding my end up of the deal I made.

2014 was more smiles than tears for me; though the weight of those tears were equal to the exhilaration which resulted in smiles.  That just what makes this year more memorable in a way.  I got to travel a lot this year.  I met new people who became real friends (more in deed than what other people claim when they say that they consider me a friend).  We may be a few remaining, but you have shown and proven what friendship is all about.  Those same friends–among other long time ones–who continue to support me in whatever personal crisis I had.  I learned a lot in my new career, and I’m still learning.  I gained weight (hence back to running in 2015).  Family has never been more supportive of me.  And as far as love goes, it never felt stronger amidst whatever was thrown at me.  Yes, tears were shed; but the resolve never faltered.  If that’s the worst I can receive, I’d have to be dead before what I feel gets taken out of me.

So 2014, thank you for everything.  You are one for the books, at the top of the heap.  What better way to send you off and welcome 2015 than with a plethora of fireworks which I will light up tonight (while being mildly intoxicated, I guess).  And with every burst of light in the air, it will remind me of all we’ve been through.  Hope the coming year will be half as good, if not better.  There will be more tests and trials, of course.  But with what I went through this year, I’m ready to face them on.  Only one thing will be constant:  and that’s you in my mind and heart.  I’m not going anywhere.

Happy, happy new year to everyone.  Hope everyone has a peaceful and safe celebration.  Still wish you’re here celebrating with me tonight.  #youknowwhoyouare