Where has the time gone? And I’m not just talking about this whirlwind tour of mine around the circumference of the earth. But I’m also talking about the holidays, and the brief visit I paid to my boyfriend’s family in the south of Holland. It seems like Maarten and I just reunited a few days ago in Belgium, and then headed to his childhood home for the festivities there, and now—already—we’re having to say goodbye to his loved ones before heading north to Amsterdam tonight. Time just isn’t fair, is it?

And then, I’m facing my reunion back in my own country of America! What an amazing ride this has been. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of it with me, either as my own personal support system, or as a blog follower who hails from near or far on this awe-inspiring world of ours.

I will never forget the kindnesses that have been shown to me over these past 365 days (or the lessons I’ve learned, although they’ve sometimes been hard). At times, this year seemed to be never-ending. But somehow, without my noticing it, 2011 has drawn to a close. So as the new year approaches, and we’re faced with creating another bucket list filled with new adventures for 2012, let’s keep in mind just how fleeting the moment is, even as we try to hold onto it.

And if you succeed in doing that, then tell me how...