It's New Year's Eve today and tomorrow is the start of the new year. For
some, its come too quick, for others such as myself, it has arrived to a
sigh of relief. To those on the same page as I, whom are so very happy
to see 2008 pass us by and settle itself in the deep, dark corners of
ours minds, this entry is especially for you.

See 2008 I must say, has been the most difficult year of my life. I have
been through the absolute toughest times I have ever faced in all my 20
years. Most who know my feat, would say at my age I shouldn't have had
to experience what I did. However, as much as I have wished again and
again that I would just wake up from this nightmare of a year, this
tormented road has forced me to grow up and to grow a much thicker skin.
It has taught me many things about myself, about life, others, and
though I've yet to fully say I'm past it all, I know that I will be
okay. That in itself is a milestone for me.

From the very beginning of 08 (New Years last year to be exact, so yes,
a FULL 365!), I faced issues I have never thought would be in my life.
Issues that even had me question whether or not I'd even make it to this
day today. My situations forced me into a crossroads with myself and my
demons. I'm here now, semi-victorious in this battle. I know I have a
great deal to learn about things but as hard as this was to even fathom
months ago, I do not regret what happened in 2008. I simply take it as
an experience to build my life upon; recreate myself and begin a new
chapter. A chapter full of promise, prosperity, happiness, hopefully
love, and to always keep learning and growing.

Starting in 2009 -- my life is something I'm going to be proud of. After
all, I've only got one to live.

Happy New Year to all of you.

I wish you all the love and luck in everything you do.

Be safe.

Stay Happy.

"...and just enjoy, appreciate."

-Shannon