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As we conclude another trip around the sun, it is time for one of those obligatory look back pieces. 2013 was definitely not my favorite year. It was a year of trials and tribulations. It was a test of strength and character. It was a humbling year to say the least. It wasn't all bad though. With it, 2013 brought several high moments. I got to see my oldest daughter start high school. I got to see my youngest daughter hit the half-decade mark. I began a new job, while not by choice, has been a very good thing for me. As with every year, new people entered our lives and we said goodbye to others, whether they departed the earthly realm or just departed our lives. Whether your mark your year with a positive or a negative, I at least hope you learned something from 2013. I know I learned many lessons. I learned that the select few people I let close to me are there for a reason, they are truly great people. I learned that I am definitely not as smart as I think I am, but I'm way smarter than I give my self credit for. I learned that I need to apply myself more, and that with a little bit of work on top of the natural skills I have I will go further than I thought. I learned that more people are blinded by faith than I ever could have imagined. I've learned that despite having knowledge at our fingertips and on demand, people are still extremely ignorant. I've learned, that while it sucks to do, it's ok to ask for help. And most importantly, I think I learned to be me again. I was definitely lost for a while, but I'm working on getting back to the person I really am. While my lessons are surely not your lessons, hopefully we all come out of 2013 a little wiser, if not without a few scars to show for it. So as I ready myself to mark the 365th day off of the calendar, I wish you all a new year filled with discovery. I hope you all grow from whatever 2014 has in store for you, be it good (and I hope that it is) or bad. I hope that in 365 days from now we can all be in a better place, if not physically, mentally or spiritually. So adios 2013, and happy new year.