Things are certainly different. Counting down to the new year has progressed from being a little munchkin struggling to stay awake to count from ten backwards with mom and dad to having to have a bigger party each year. This new year's eve was different from the previous 2 and while it wasn't better, it was more fulfilling. The same omnipresence of alcohol was felt, but the faces were different and so was mine. I was so much happier because I had everything that I wanted all year.

And I hope to start a new tradition with this.

It's nice to stop wishing when the moment has come. And while I don't want to get over-excited at the little remarks, I know I'll hold them so close to my heart because each passing one spells f-u-t-u-r-e. I have no fear facing forward.

Buckle up.