here we are, 2013

The people in my family are many a thing, but one of those things is not night owls. We are as early as birds get. You need a ride to the airport at 4 a.m? We've got you. You need a ride from the airport at 1 a.m. midnight? We're going to need some assistance. 

Which is why it really doesn't make sense that I l.o.v.e New Year's Eve. It goes against my very being to want to plan an evening that centers around how late you can stay up - and ringing in a brand new year, not with waking up to a sunrise, but staying up to watch it happen. 

But I do. 

And I know I stand alone on this one. As Christmas' overrated little sister, I've heard that same old song: it never lives up to your expectations. 

Ok ok ok. 

I get it. 

But it hit me this year as the actual E in NYE started to lose its appeal, but I still itched for that strike of the midnight clock: it's so much more than a party to ring in 2013. It's a fresh start. The chance to begin again.

So what if you didn't quite reach your goals in 2012? So what if you didn't win this, make that, meet him, go there, save this, try XY and Z?

You can try again.

It's 2013 and you have 365 beautiful, full days to make it happen again. And with resolutions, a plan and just enough gusto, it's yours for the taking. 

Aside from getting it right the first time, there's almost nothing I love more than a second chance. It's so full of promise. The chance to prove that - yes - it went wrong the first time. But you've learned and grown and you can try again and make it happen. The third chance? It's not as exciting; you've seen it go wrong before. The fourth chance? You're beginning to border on insanity.

But - oh - the second chance. It's magical.

And it's here - it's yours. 2013 is a year full of promise and excitement. And as far as I can tell, the world is your oyster. 

I hope you'll embrace it. 

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