2008? It's been nice knowing you.

The end of the year is here, and tomorrow a new chapter begins. I have so much hope for this next year. There is much to look forward to. A new president, one who shares my views and my hope for this country. I'm moving back home to prepare for starting out on my own in a couple of months. And I'm ringing in the New Year in Nashville, with someone I love.

There are scary things, too. My brother Bryan deploys for Afghanistan in January. I am so scared. This year has potential to bring so much good, but also to be full of fear for my family.

Either way, I'm ready to embrace it. I want to be the strongest, bravest, most improved version of myself. I want to continue to grow and open my mind to other people's ideas. I want to learn to love myself more, by shelving my own ego and putting others first. I want to be the kind of person I would want to know. I want to be filled with grace instead of negativity.

Be safe out there, kids.

We're still here.