New year, new times

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I've had an amazing start in '09 and couldn't be more thankful for all that life has brought me. I have an incredible set of friends that keep me happy and grounded. I guess I'm feeling a lil nostalgic right now, so bare with me while I take a look back....

I kicked off 08 with a bang... nothin like a little car accident to get the year started off in the right direction... it was just all a little test to see what I'm made of!! But not to worry, I passed with flying colors and I learned I have more inner strength then I ever knew possible. I then made my way to Atlanta for a year which was AMAAAZING... incredible professional opportunity that I thank my lucky stars for. My team ended up saving a safety net hospital from closing its doors. SWEET! How awesome is that?

In the midst of the crazy travel, I managed to run 2 half marathons and finished strong with a 2nd 26.2 under my belt. Not bad for being in 2 time zones every other day. THEN... not only did I move and shack up wherever I could find a place for 6 months, I FINALLY GOT MY OWN APARTMENT! I'll never forget standing in line with Kel for lunch in May and telling her that by the time I'm 28, I'm getting my own place. Done and Done. Love that I can check that off the to do list. (and with a month to spare!)

OOOOH. And Obama gets elected. How coooooool is that? Totally random and off the subject, but I just saw Milk the other day and it seriously amazes me how progressive we think we are, but maybe we're really not so much. It took how many years to get a non WASP in office (sorry, with the exception of Kennedy, but he's close enough)?? And the whole gay rights movement - which is clearly still far from being resolved - only made headway in the late 70s. Thats nothin! Maybe its that I live in California and we're as liberal as it gets, but its pretty reeeediculous how long it takes to get our country to see the light. (I'm never biased, I know)

Annnyway, back to the topic at hand. Thanksgiving. Something definitely felt different in the air. Atlanta was behind me, the move was underway and things just fell right into place. I had my family beside me and the turkey feast was delish. In all actuality, this holiday season has been nothing short of breathtaking.

I rang in the new year with my guy and my closest friends beside me. How perfect! And in 09, I've laughed more then ever, I scored a new running coach and feel excited - for the first time in a long time - for the year to come.

Bring it 2009!