Shout-outs.

Today's post was a very cool idea I thought of earlier this week. I did a quick tally after last week, and I realized there are only 3 more posts left for me to write this year, including today's post. And considering I already have 2 ideas that I *should* write about before the end of this year, that makes this post mandatory to be written today.

What is today's post for?

I wanted to do sort of a "year in review" and give shout-outs to all those people who influenced my 2015. Whether it was helping me get out of a tough spot, giving me advice when I needed it, being the listening ear when I needed to vent, being the critical eye when I needed a perception check. All of these individuals impacted me and my thought process this year, and I owe them thanks for helping me to be where I am now.

Of course, there are no actual names..just aliases, but I hope that all of these people read this post, know it's about them and actually enjoy it.



Poochie: My Better Half

She's been there with me from the very start to finish of this year. We celebrated quite a few successes this year, both hers and mine. There were times when I felt dismal about life, and she never left my side once. Through the ups and downs, she's stuck by me. I look forward to celebrating our 10-year anniversary! I give her a shout-out for being my rock and always looking out for me, no matter how far she is from me. Although I miss her every day, she remains the closest to my heart.

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Kryptonite: My Silent Guardian

What I am most grateful for, is for him knowing me better than I know myself. He has been my savior several times this year whether it was about work, school, family matters, personal stressors, or goodness knows what else. His truly big heart, forgiving nature, sharp intuition and incredible kindness are things that I yearn to learn. This year marked a milestone for him, and for that I am so happy. I thank my lucky stars every day that I have such an amazing presence in my life to guide me whenever I am lost.

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Mumble-Wumble: My Adventurous Instigator

Words are not enough to describe my admiration and appreciation for this superstar in my life. I thank him for creating so many memories each time we are together, and to never be out of crazy ideas to act on. It has been a heck of a year for our friendship, and I am couldn't be happier with where we are. I am excited to have more adventures with him, and I thank him for everything he does in the oddest and most unique of his ways.

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Bae: My Partner in Crime

This fiercely loyal friend of mine lights up my day with her adorable laugh, her headstrong spirit and bottomless, unwavering optimism. The bond we share, going on 3 years now, gets stronger as we have more experiences and adventures together. The more we share, the more common ground we find to share. She understand my #browngirlprobz. I give her a shout-out for always being there when I need her most, for helping me figure things out, and for always cheering me up when I'm down.

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Tall Guy: My Exotic Bestie

With him is the quickest I've ever gone from being complete strangers to becoming besties in less than a couple of months. His diplomatic outlook on life, his determined nature and his amazing capability of being a compassionate friend always remind me to hold him close and be thankful for him. I am proud of all his accomplishments, and I am so excited for everything the new year is about to bring him.

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JJ: My Witty Shenaniganizer

He has been my reliable travel buddy, a friend who is always there when I need to vent, someone I find it surprisingly easy to share the most difficult situations with, just because he has such a carefree, laid-back view on life. He helps me realize that everything does not need to be as serious, and something funny can always be found in the most serious situations. I thank him for his dry humour, for nit-picking my brains, for giving me anxiety with his careless approach to important things in life, and for secretly being a caring and true friend.

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Argillaceous: My Steadfast Inspiration

Last, but definitely not least, this guy who was the inspiration behind today's post. He "picked a bone with me" for not staying on top of my posts. He wasn't mad or upset. He simply (very gently) pointed out that I had not been keeping up with my weekly writing. He made me realize that people out there have been reading my blog, and I should deliver what I promised at the beginning of the year. I thank you, Argillaceous, for reminding me why I started this project at the beginning of this year, and for making sure that I see it through till the end of the year.

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These people were hands down the most important reason I survived 2015. But it would be extremely unfair to say others didn't help me too. A few other friends, some co-workers, and most of all my parents all played a huge role in shaping me to be who I am this year. I am thankful for everything I've learned about the world and about myself. I look forward to starting up a new project in 2016!

Until then, I bid you all farewell.

Hasta la-buh bye!

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PS - Mumble-Wumble gets an extra special shout out this week for his birthday! Happy Birthday to this guy who I've come to respect, admire and love so much in the last 2 years. I hope your day, week, month and year (were and) are filled with surprises, adventures and all things spontaneous that you'll love. I can't wait to celebrate you for the years to come, and to get started on that bucket list! =D