Thank you.

I said the two words "thank you" more on December 31, 2009 then I probably will for the rest of my life altogether.

"Congratulations", and "you look ____(compliment)" were said countless, countless times. The entire evening I tried desprately to think of a better comeback. Just smiling doesn't cut it. "No, YOU look great!" somehow seemed odd, although I think I said that one to one or two people. Even after the big day the compliments and comments keep rolling in. Thank you. Thank you. Why, thank you. Thanks so much. Thanks. No, YOU look great. Thank you. Thanks for coming. Thanks.

But really, thanks to all who came and played their part.

Compliments are the worst sometimes. Usually I get a little red in the face, which is never attractive, and then try to rebound it off of me back to the complimenter. They usually involve stuttering, staggering, and shuffling of feet. Red ears. Usually they are awkward. I think to myself, is the person actually being sincere? But all the congratulations seemed pretty sincere. So thanks. Guys. And I did feel pretty ravishing in that white dress and those silver flats.

I'm happy things are sort of going back to normal. My "normal" will never actually be the same, but hey. Let's raise our glasses. Here's a toast: to life, to change, to challanges and scary steps. To hard choices, and good people. To saying goodbye and saying hello.

Clink.