Excellent points.  Great minds must think alike--I just posted about anticipation!  Well, more like expectations.  And mine is about cookie exchanges and a giveaway, so...substantially less deep material.  ;D

I really like that you mentioned not having a date for when you'll stop feeling hurt over the past.  That really, really struck a chord with me.  I've been told before to "decide" to be over them, but it's just not as simple as all that.  Or is it?  Perhaps I should try, and just decide that from now on, I'm just not allowed to dwell on those hurts because I've intentionally dropped them?  

Good stuff...