Last Post for '09? Seriously?

Every time New Year's creeps up on me, conspicuously hiding amidst life's haphazard duties, college classes, holidays, tests, trials, trips and everything in between...I find myself wishing time to move slower, not only so I can look back on the year about to end, but also think to myself...where did the time go?

It's what we all say isn't it? Where did the time go? When I at the horse rescue farm I volunteer at in Reedsville I was talking with the owner and she said "just when put the Christmas decorations away, it feels like I'll have to take them out again in a few weeks." We all know what she means don't we? Christmas flew by way too fast, but it was enjoyable as always! Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, the world just transforms for those few precious weeks and everyone can distance themselves from life's worries. , soaking in the nostalgia and time with family that Christmas brings so near.

I'll admit, I'm still holding onto that Christmas magic! I love driving through my hometown of Sheboygan, WI and seeing all of the lights casting glows on houses' facades, as well as traditional Christmas trees bedecked with their own lights and ornaments. But while my family and I take down the ornaments, the decorations, the outside lights and eventually the tree, we reflect on this Christmas, as well as the year which is about to come to a close.

When New Years rolls around we all usually gather 'round the television and watch one program or another as the famous ball drops in Times Square. The countdown begins, we wait with baited breath...and then suddenly you blink and its 2010. 2009 is immediately regaled to a not-so-distant memory. It's forever out of reach, becoming another piece of our lives we can revisit only in our mind. 2010 on the other hand? Stretches ahead like a freshly paved highway through undiscovered land. Each bend brings something new, endless possibilities hiding behind mountains, sleeping in valleys, waiting in the sky or creeping up behind you like a tailgating car.

This whole "fresh start" idea is played up by the media as much as Christmas is. Which is probably why as soon as that clock strikes midnight thousands of people rip out a sheet of paper and begin scribbling their aspirations and goals they've spontaneously set for themselves. Now, maybe some of you think them thoroughly through and actually stick to 'em as that "fresh start" state of mind begins to wear off like peeling paint on a house. And for those who do, kudos to you! I respect people who make New Years Resolutions and make an honest, deliberate effort to see them through.

I'll admit something else, I've never been one for New Years Resolutions? Why you ask? I'm not quite sure, but this year? The whole notion of them has been creeping about on the outskirts of my conscious, like a marble rolling beneath the floor, caught in the furnace pipes, always evading your attempts to catch it. Why, you may also ask, if I've never before entertained the idea of New Years Resolutions, would you do so now? Again, I can't tell you. All I can say is this, I guess as people get older and their lives change, it puts things in perspective for them and makes them think that hey! Maybe there is something to this whole resolution thing after all.

With that said, are the resolutions I have lofty or large scale? Of course not! Making such resolutions are one of the reasons I believe people set themselves up for failure before they even begin. Now those that do set large scale resolutions and follow through flawlessly, kudos to you. I've never been that type of person. But perhaps, now that I'm reflecting on my own tentative resolutions, one of them is a bit large scale. Either way, it doesn't really matter whether your resolutions are of a large or small scale, as long as they're logically attainable and reasonable...that's all that matters right?

2009 has been a year of many tumultuous happenings, as well as highs. No doubt all of us will have our own personal memories when looking back on this year, and that's what makes the New Year so unique. Each of us looks at it in a different way, as well as anticipates it. I won't go into full-blown nostalgia and talk about all the things I went through in my life. Because the truth is, I'm not naturally that open of a person! I'll leave the nostalgic memories to you, the reader. Before you go, though, let me just say this. For all of you who have taken time out of your day to read my blog, have found something meaningful in my posts, whether I made you laugh, reflect, think, respond, or even inspired you to write something of your own...I want to extend a very heartfelt thank you to you all!!! When I started this blog for my first college English class at UW-Sheboygan a year ago in September, I had no idea it would grow to this, as well as garner so many followers. After all, I'm just a nineteen-year-old college student who has an indistinguishable passion for writing. Whether it be short stories, blogs, novels, poems or anything! Whatever comes to my mind each Wednesday I write down, always surrendering to the "free writer" inside of me, letting it take that proverbial wheel and steer me, sometimes, haphazardly, down the literary highway. Some days it's drenched in golden light, warming my skin. Other times its laden with boiling storm clouds, weighing each word down. One thing I've found, that for how random they are, each blog post has a subtle connection to the others.

With that said, I know I'll continue to hone my writing skills. It is, after all, my life's greatest passion and undeniably what I want to do for a living someday. I hope you, the reader, will continue to read my blog and find something meaningful that you can take away in each post. Of course, your comments are always welcome. I enjoy feedback! May you look fondly back on 2009, and even though we've all had our share of hardship in this year, I pray that you've recovered from each roadblock and find strength in family and your faith. A very Happy New Year to you all!!! Enjoy the ride that lays before you.