So, erm... it's been a while since I've done one of these, uh... But let me say that this year, while it ain't no 2020, it... still had its ups and downs for me. But it went so damn fast, too! If I were to list my ups overall... 1) Being a One Piece fan is the best feeling since we now have a wonderful live action version of One Piece that stays true to the core of One Piece. The actors, actresses, producers, makeup artists, and... hell, everyone that worked on the Live Action One Piece did a damn good job! As some of you know, I've cosplayed here and there. But instead of being around fellow One Piece fans, I've talked to those who got into the Live Action One Piece, and I was able to have a damn chat with them! Like... that in of itself was something impossible to achieve a year or so ago! 2) I've got a full-time job with the library! I got it back in 2022, and after a year, I've passed my annual report and even got myself a raise. I'm hoping to continue my work with the library for years to come! 3) Therapy. I've mentioned that I needed therapy for a while. Well... with my FT job, I'm able to obtain that. And boy, I'm glad I did. The more I enter therapy, the more I'm able to let it all out. Mental health is very important. Like... SUPER fucking important. 4) Now, I had to cut a person or two from my life. This ties in with my mental health. Sometimes, we have those people that bring you down, ya feel me? Instead of being that person and sticking to them like glue until I fall into a dark place and/or lose my damn mind, it's best to cut them out of my life. It's a POSITIVE thing to do, as it relates to a boundary you've made for yourself. So, yeah. There's nothing wrong with that. 5) I've started talking to some old friends on here again! And I do apologize for not responding in turn! I'm trying to get used to the layout, and life has me by the hair. And 6) I've had to say RIP to my very first car, Jackie Mac. I've got a new car and she's named Maleficent (thanks, sis). She drives like a dream, and I'm taking damn good car of her. Now... my downs: 1) If you haven't seen my post back in... er, October or September, I'll restate the "Elephant in the Room." On August 6, 2023, my sister and I lost our maternal grandmother to cancer. It was a three-year long battle, and honestly? I'm still hurt that she's gone. Yes, as much as I bicker and argue with her, that's still my grandma. And one I've known since I was small, at that. So the pain is worse. I've had dreams with her here and there, and I've had moments where I think back about the good times. Again, as much as I butt heads with her, she's still my grandmother, and I'm still gonna miss her no matter what. 2) On top of that, my paternal grandmother is battling Alzheimer's, and honestly? That hurts even more since she's out of state and away from me. I'm hoping to visit her sometime in 2024. 3) I've had more tears shed this year than the previous ones. Some were because my late-grandmother has done some fucked-up shit, others, because I miss that damn woman. What do I miss about her? As stated before, that's my dang grandma. I'm gonna miss her either way. But the lesson I need to learn is that I have to get used to crying. Crying is okay... and yet I still don't think that way. I need to accept that emotion is okay instead of just steering clear from it. 4) There are days where I'm mentally tired. I've had nervous breakdowns here and there, and yes, I'm reporting them to my therapist whenever I go there. And 5) Well... overall, I can just say I'm... okay. That's all. Just... okay. With that being said, I want you all to have a safe New Year! Drink responsibly, don't pew-pew into the dang air with a handheld weapon (what comes up must come down), blow up some fireworks (and clean up afterwards), and overall? Start the damn new year with positive thoughts!