I've learned ...

• family has nothing to do with blood
• some people are dependable, some are not, and it's important to know the difference
• Kelly is my person, and it's supposed to be that way
• love expands like a rubber band; the further away you go, the stronger you feel it
• that first sip of coffee is my favorite moment of almost every day
• I can still hurt for the people who have hurt me beyond description
• a genuine smile is much more beautiful than a phony one
• people who tell you "God only gives you what you can handle" truly deserve a kick in the ass
• I can get past it, but I may never be over it
• low self esteem and the need for someone else to make you happy often go hand in hand
• the power to hurt deeply is part of the package deal of loving deeply
• a dog's wet nose in the palm of your hand can cure almost anything
• to love is to risk honesty
• regrets are a waste of time
• sometimes, you have to let go
• trust is easily given, easily broken, and difficult to regain
• yes is more fun than no