First let me reflect back on 2009 by saying that it was one of the better years I've had for several reasons, the two most important being my marriage and my job. Nathan and I had a near-perfect year, marked by the return of Phish (and jaunts to Hampton, Deer Creek, Alpine Valley, and Cincy), several small relaxing road trips, a wonderful holiday season shared with our families and friends, and an overall sense of warmth and love. The only trials we faced during 2009 were short lived, though we did learn that becoming parents is not always as easy as our teachers might have warned us that it was in certain junior high classes. ;) We're moving into our 9th month of trying to achieve this goal and are dreaming of a little Webb-Reynolds to make his or her appearance in 2010! And while we've also been saddled with the unexpected death of our sweet cat Beasley and the devastating cancer of our precious pug, Brent Black, knowing that Brent has already outlived his diagnosis by nearly 5 months is a huge blessing to us, and another reason why this year was so special.
In 2009, I saw my first novel of length get published and although I wish I had used a better publisher or had been more true to my actual life in the story, I am certain that my effort will be a stepping stone to something better and not just a footnote to 2009. A career as a prolific writer isn't necessarily my goal, but writing things that matter to other people is, and I hope to continue to do that. In addition to Praying for Snow, I also published an article in CATCH IT! magazine (on the topic of baton twirling) and took honors in a Women On Writing flash fiction contest.
This brings me to my next "moment of glory" of 2009, and it wasn't one that I shouldered alone. Along with my wonderful coaches and talented teammates (each of whom I can call a friend), we took home the 2009 Ohio State Senior Small Dance Twirl Championship. Working with these women for the first time in 13 years was amazing, and it forayed into my career as a teacher at Cyndi's Studio. Being afforded the opportunity to work with all of these talented staff members and sweet, special, hardworking children every week has been a real bright spot for me in 2009, to say the least.
2009 was a year of wonderful changes, with weddings taking place (congrats, Joe and Maggie & Jared and Mindy and all of our other newlywed friends!), babies being born (beautiful Mairin, Avery, Kaleigh, triplets Carter, Lila, & Madelyn, Isla, Holly Belle, Miley, handsome Wyatt and Alexander, and so many more...), pregnancies announced, and friendships being forged, and it will always burn brightly in my memory...even if I did hit the big 3-0 this year!
Now...on to my personal and professional goals for 2010:
1. Draw closer to God and feel Him working even more deeply in my life.
2. Make Nathan a father.
3. Keep my marriage strong and my friendships solid.
4. House renovations- finish them!
5. Eat healthier, be stronger, lose weight, and improve at twirling.
6. Always be a positive influence on my students and help them to love twirling as much as I always have.
7. Make more time for my friends this year. I didn't see nearly enough of them in the last half of 2009.
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