Oh, Nine

Fireworks in Long Beach

2009 is one for the history books. It will forever be the year that I got married, but it is also the year I started graduate school, saw Richard Simmons at LAX, got stung by a sting ray, moved into a new home, and had my first Christmas in California. I fell even more in love with my husband, and finally cut loose toxic family members who were always chipping away at my happiness. My nephew Caden was born, which was the biggest blessing that was ever bestowed on my family. His birth lead my brother to give up drugs and alcohol, and I've watched him became the man I've always known he could be. I lost 35 lbs and kept it off. I conquered my fear of the freeway. I have laughed more and cried more in 2009 than any other year of my life. This year I've become that much closer to learning to accept myself for exactly who I am. I am so optimistic for 2010, I just have a feeling it is going to be brilliant.