in 2008, I :

* Learned to drive.

* Learned to perform efficiently in a stressful environment.

* Learned that I can do a lot more than I think I can.

* Learned how to cut the crap and be a jerk to guys if need be.

* Learned to say no...sorta.

* Became a fan of techno/rap/pop/other kinds of music I never thought I'd listen to in a million years.

* Fell for him - thus proving that I can fall.

* Put myself out there more than I have in years.

* Got hurt more than I have in years.

* Learned many invaluable lessons that I am incredibly grateful for.

* Made some of the best memories of my life.

* Made up my mind to live in Italy for at least a little while.

* Made up my mind to go to New York City.

* Made up my mind to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...in person.

* Wrote poetry.

* Discovered that I have WAY more talent and brains than I utilize.

* Resolved to utilize my talent and brains a hell of a lot more than I do.

* Learned to stop and take in the moment. 'Smell the roses', ifou will.

* Got rid of a stalker.

* Got rid of several potential stalkers.

* Got someone fired from their job=D (Not on purpose, and I grin because they deserved it).

* Discovered my secret turn-on (not like that...just something I tend to be attracted to) and it turns out I wish I didn't like it so much=(

* Learned WAAAAAAY too much about astrology and know the birthdays of basically everyone...celebrities included. Be afraid.

* Learned that I suck at giving gifts.

* Learned that I am a verbal monster, and I can slay you with my words.

* Discovered the magic of poppyseed dressing.

* Became even more obsessed with sushi.

* Developed healthier habits...sorta.

* Discovered Russell Brand;-)

Welcome 2009. Please be on your best behavior. I can't take another year like this one.

hug a little tighter.

My Great-Grandma died today.

I didn't know her that well, honestly...but I know that what I did know of her was amazing.

She recently celebrated her 95th birthday, and she was fiery up until the end! I remember talking to her at my grandmother's kitchen table and listening to her tell a story about a boy that had lifted her over his shoulders and carried her up a set of stairs when she was about my age.

And let me tell you...she was as pissed off as if this 'shameful' event had taken place just the day before! She did an impression of how she had slapped him and her eyes narrowed as she remembered it.

Just this year she told her daughter she was thinking of getting married again=)

The last time I saw her, I had no inkling that it would be the last time I'd see her again. Maybe I'd have hugged her a little tighter or said goodbye more sincerely. Maybe I would have said 'I love you'.

I don't have regrets about my relationship with her, because I spent as much time as I could talking to her and getting to know her...

But things like this just get you thinking about the fragility of life. My great grandmother was very old...It is sad when an elderly person dies, but it can't be said that she didn't live a good, long life. However, death is hanging over us all the time. It's so easy to get caught up in all the small, petty things in life and forget that we ought to be making the most of every moment.

We ought not to be holding back. We ought to be letting our loved ones know just how loved they are...We ought to be seeing all the things we want to see, and doing all the things we want to do. We ought to be forgetting our insecurities and being the best we can be. We ought to be making our mark instead of letting life happen to us.

We are never guaranteed anything in this life. Every breath is a gift.

You never know for sure when you see someone that it won't be the last time you see them again.

So let go. Tell them how you feel...

And hug a little tighter.