Goobye 2009, Hello 2010.

Since I am blogging this year, I thought it would be a good place to be reflective. 2009 was an interesting year to say the least! I think it was the first full year that I lived on my own, which is exciting. I had the same job for the whole year, which is unique as well. I started out living with dear friends who moved away early in 2009, which left me without a home and sad. But my new place worked out well and my new roommate was great. As the pop culture aficionado that I claim to be, I read a whole lot of new books [Harry Potter...finally!], watched a crazy amount of TV [still reeling from seasons of Mad Men and Dexter], and even more crazy amount of movies. I decided to count all the movies I watched in 2009, and the grand total was....98! [My top 3 films in case you care: Up, 500 Days of Summer, and Sherlock Holmes.] I got much more involved in my church and have really started to find some deep & meaningful relationships there. Biggest purchase of 2009 would be a tie between the iPod touch and my Kindle. Best concert of the year would hands down be Ray Lamontagne. I have loved him for years now, and to finally see him live...so exciting! Another unique 2009 experience was the film festivals I was part of. I volunteered with the Gasparilla FilmFestival, which is one of Tampa's larger film festivals. And then I was on the board for Motion Film Festival, which was a brand new festival featuring short films from around the country. I really enjoyed that experience. I even got to create some art and display it at a local art show! I was able to witness weddings & births, and love, both new and old. Probably the most exciting part of 2009 was Cambodia. I remember at Christmas 2008, I was talking with a good friend about our lives and the direction they were headed. He reminded me about my dreams of Cambodia and what I wanted to do there. So it was then that I researching the trip. Wasn't long before I found it, and even sooner that I was there. I knew it would change my life, and it did. It has altered 2010 and the rest of my life. The majority of 2010 will be spent saving money, fundraising more money, living with my parents, and saying goodbye to friends. I will begin training in 2010 and once again, travel overseas. So as I say goodbye to 2009, I am grateful for the experiences, but am really excited for 2010. A few resolutions...to read 50 books this year, to pay off my credit card, to pay off my car, to finally get in shape, and to continue to grow in my relationship with God. I can't wait to see what happens!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!