No one is sad to see 2008 go. It was a year of recession, when many people lost their homes, jobs and life savings. It was a year of more hurricanes, earthquakes and fires, and the Mumbai terrorist attacks. It was the year my nana spent nearly all 12 months under intense medical care. It was the year of breakups and moves.

But with all the tumult came some bright spots. We elected a new president for the first time in eight years. We witnessed a spectacular Olympic Games.

It was the year I visited New Orleans, Denver/Boulder, Chicago, Providence, Boston, D.C. (three times), Portland and California (twice). It was the year I saw Cal football at Maryland, UCLA hoops (twice), the NYC marathon, the U.S. Open, the Nationals, the Phillies, the Mets, the Cubs and Nascar at Pocono … Patrick Stewart in “Macbeth,” “Hairspray” and “In the Heights.” It was the year I was a guest at the White House.

It was the year I reconnected with old friends and spent precious time with family. It was the year of a new apartment and a fresh start.

While I can’t wait to see what 2009 has to offer, I don’t want to forget all the blessings of ’08. Cheers to the year past and future.