odd one out

i have made a decision: odd years are my best, most productive, growing years. therefore, i would like to skip 2010 and move right into 2011. that ok with everyone?? (i would, however, like to remain 27 and not skip right to 29).

that said, let me share a bit with you regarding my past year and why it was so great. i know this is typically what happens at the END of the year with resolutions and such, but i'm feeling very humbled my year, so i'm just going to go with it...

2007 was a good year: i moved out on my own again, and didn't have a mental break down. i met my first real, serious boyfriend. i ran my first half and full marathons. i took my first trip overseas, and did it alone and without seeing the concert i went to see. i got a job i really wanted, and got the car i always wanted. i started my first savings account, and payed off some debt. lots of trading in, and growing up. i remember this year fondly as a year of accomplishments and new things, sepia-toned memories in my bank of joy that i chalk up to self empowerment, choice and blessings from Above.

2008... all sorts of good things happen, of course, but relatively same old stuff- just life. and i'm NOT complaining, because that is what life is- just things that happen, and settling into who you really are. i remember this year as being very happy, and still lots of trading in and growing up, but nothing like the previous year. just another happy year in my bank of joyful memories.

2009: i turn 27 (this is notable to me because it feels like a REAL age, like one that adults i know take seriously). i ski my first black run. i end a very significant relationship. i graduate from my master's program and get letters after my name (five of them, plus a comma). i move into my first (rental) house. i survive said break up. i get to celebrate four years sober. i attend my uncle's funeral. two friends get pregnant and have babies. i make real, good true friends i am excited to have that i make dinner dates and coffee dates and send cards to. i buy my first tv. i open my own baking business. i travel to kenya. i run my second marathon- without training- and get my best time ever. i see my best friend get married. i get my own therapy clients and actually start getting paid to do what i want. i buy my own nuggets tickets. i enjoy singledom by learning how to live in the grey. i get a new puppy. i change my hair color. i lose 15 pounds in a healthy, beautiful way. i find a church i like and join a small group with nice women.

in short, i became. and am becoming.

and will continue, of course doing this into silly even-ended year 2010, but have a feeling that 2010 will be one of those years where i get to settle into my changes ... get comfortable with myself where i am; comfortable enough to want to change and have the guts to do it.

and, all of this and i still have two more 2009 months to go!