Goodbye 2009

(Originally post on the 20th on my new LiveJournal) I said a couple of weeks ago that I would be posting some story ideas soon, and while I still plan to do that, I'd rather do it later this month. Right now I want to talk about my most recent realization.

I've said several times over the past couple of months that this has been a really bad year. The worst ever. When you consider the events of the past few months, I'm sure many people would agree. The funny thing is that I don't. I sat thinking about this Friday night and came to the realization that, despite all the many problems and stressing, 2009 was a really good year for me.

My close friends know about the problems I'm going through right now, and I'm sorry to say those haven't changed. If they miraculously did on Christmas day this would be the best year in history and nothing would ever be able to top it. But, being the optimist that I usually am, I'm trying to look past those things. I want to make this post so that I'll always have something to look back on to remind of the good things that happened this year. This is also my way of thanking the people that changed this year for the better.

In 2009 I helped my friends build an rpg that is now bigger than any other site I've ever made. Because of that rpg, I've made a ton of new friends this year.

In 2009 I finished the last three books in the Twilight saga and loved them. I later got my parents into the series and we've enjoyed both of the movies together.

In 2009 I read the published novel of my best friend and loved it. It now sits on a Harry Potter shelf beside my bed and makes me smile every day.

In 2009 I got a printer/scanner, a cell phone, and an iPod touch. Yes, the little things make me happy too. =)

In 2009 discovered the power of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. However, I have every intention of using these powers for good.

In 2009 I started watching the vlogbrothers of YouTube. It's been about five months since I first saw their videos, but my life will never be the same. John and Hank will never know how much they've helped me, but I hope I'll be able to repay the favor one day.

In 2009 I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and won. Through this I realized that pretty much anything is possible. I'm a procrastinator. I wrote a nearly-finished novel in thirty days.

In 2009 I rediscovered my passion for writing.

In 2009 I became legally able to drink and gamble in Canada - though I haven't done either yet.

In 2009 I had the best vacation ever.

In 2009 I found some great websites. Like BabyDow and AverageWizard In 2009 I was introduced to Huey Lewis and the News. They have been my favorite band for over six months now. <3

In 2009 I fell in love with several shows, new and old. Charmed, the Mentalist, Castle, Vampire Diaries.

In 2009, despite having never seen any Star Trek shows or movies, I watched the new movie four times in one week. I plan to start watching the shows through repeats and YouTube.

In 2009 I went to the drive-in more than I did in the three previous years combined.

In 2009 I realized I don't look that bad with short hair.

These are just some of the things that had gone right for me this year. Some of them may sound silly or unimportant, but for one reason or another, they're what made me happy. Unfortunately, I can't leave out the bad things that have happened this year.

In 2009 my parents filed for bankruptcy. We're moving next month. In 2009 my dad asked for a divorce.

In 2009 I thought I might have to give away one of my cats. That's still being decided. In 2009 I thought two of my friends passed away. One did.

In 2009 I had the worst nightmare of my life, that sticks with me every day.

I've cried more in 2009 than any other year. But I think I probably laughed more this year as well. The bad things still bother me. A lot. Hell, I had a breakdown a few hours ago. But I think the good has outweighed the bad. That has a lot to do with my friends. There's no way I can possibly name all of them, but there are a handful that made a big difference for me.

Tippy- I will never be able to thank you enough for sticking with me this year. I don't know if I would have been able to make it through these past few months without you. The thought of talking to you keeps me going on bad days. I'm so thankful for you.

Iris- Though we haven't talked in a while, I think about you all the time. I still consider you one of my closest friends and hope we'll be able to catch up soon.

Emily- You always bring a smile to my face, even if it's not me you're talking to. You're a very talented writer. I love reading your posts.

And, of course, the rest of the SW members. Jess, Hayley, Hadie, Kat, Leslie, Leah, and Sam. You're all wonderful.

I hope that 2010 is better than this year was. I'm going into the new year with a lot of goals and plans. I want to write almost every day, finish and edit my novel, stop procrastinating, and I've even added the common lose weight reservation. I want to read more too. I talked about doing a fifty-book challenge back in October but I had to stop because of the 'bad' list. Well, I want to restart that. I'll be talking more about my writing and reading in January. Like I said, I have big plans.

To everyone who read this, I hope you've had as good a year as I have. I also hope you join me in going into 2010 with a positive and optimistic attitude. Try not to let things get you down. Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays) and Happy New Year.

-Lizzy<3