So yeah 2007 is gone and I am more than a year without soda, I've lost 33lbs and I've got six months til graduation. I spent the last year trying to find myself and well here I am, I've gone through a few boyfriends, a bunch of mental breakdowns, ups and downs with my best friends, struggles in school and with my bosses at work. I've dealt with ex boyfriends trying to commit suicide with me on the phone, telling me they can't handle the distance or they've found someone else. I've dealt with them coming, going then crawling back begging for me to give them one more chance and I've dealt with them ignoring me completely. I've felt loved and loved in return with full faith in the people I give my love to that they won't break my heart and yes I've had my heart broken and broken hearts myself. I've made friends and watched them fade into the distance or walk away with someone else. I've given my heart and soul and watched others do the same for people who didn't deserve it. I've given good advice and received alot in return that I will take to heart as I hope others do. I've learned a great deal about myself and learned a great deal about the people around me as well. I've learned to let go of many of the things that I cannot control and to embrace who I am because I have to love me before I can accept that others love me. I've learned to be more open with those around me about the way I feel and I've learned that being myself conquers all, because when I meet my special someone I want him to love me for who I am and not for something I'm not. I've learned how to live without someone by my side and learned how to be alone and yet not be truly lonely. I've learned to love my friends even more because they are the real thing and I wouldn't give them up for the world.

Where do I go from here... I don't really know... I just have to keep walking and trust that there is a path meant for me and through the hardships that come I will survive and experience much pain and much joy through all the experiences that I gain.

Life is too short to wake up every morning with regrets,
Love the people who treat you right,
Forget the people who don't,
If life gives you a chance take it,
If it changes your life let it,
No one said it would be easy,
They just said it would be worth it...

<3 Rachael