Posts Tagged ‘New Year’

I haven’t been here in a while, and I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but as this year and decade closes and I’ve been reading every press outlet in creation do a summary of the decade, I felt I should do the same.  Since I was born late in 1979, every decade has essentially been a chapter in my life.  Particularly since I am about to shift my career down a new path, this truly is the end of a chapter in my life.  So, here is my summary of the 2000s in my world, in no particular order of time or importance, but as thoughts and memories come to my mind.

• I got back into UF.
• I changed my major from journalism to political science.
• I graduated!
• I went to grad school at UCF.
• I am still finishing my thesis.
• I met the person I thought was my soul mate.
• I got married.
• I got divorced.
• I was obviously wrong about three lines above.
• I lost my mother tragically.
• I have thought about her every day since.
• I have watched my brother become a real mensch.
• I have watched my father enjoy life.
• I got the job of my dreams.
• I witnessed democracy in action.
• I participated in making this nation a better place for everyone.
• I walked the same halls as leaders, patriots, and heroes.
• Three years later, I am moving on to something new.
• I helped elect Barack Obama.
• I worked for Robert Wexler.
• I worked for Shelley Berkley.
• I worked for UCF Campus Life.
• I worked for SITEL/General Motors.
• I was editor-in-chief of a college newspaper.
• I witnessed my sports teams win 6 championships.
• I witnessed our world change forever on September 11, 2001.
• I made some of the most incredible friends I could ever hope for.
• I rekindled some friendships from the prior decade.
• I bought my first car, and still have it.
• I moved five times.
• I traveled to Germany and Russia.
• I flew all over the United States.
• I went on my first cruise.
• I went skiing for the first time, too.
• I gained 40 lbs.
• I also gained a tremendous amount of life experience.
• I believe 30 really is the new 20.
• I fought for what I believe is right.
• I will continue to do so.
• I have found my purpose in life.
• I am so excited about what the 2010s will bring.

Thank you for reading.  Happy New Year everyone.

2008 has been a tough year for me, as many of you know.  There’s nothing like having the rug pulled out from under you, and about nine months ago, that’s exactly what was done to me.  The flip side of not having the choice in such a decision like the end of a marriage, however, is that you can make a choice to accept it for what it is and move on.  I’ve always been a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and while its tough to follow that creed during the roughest points in one’s life, I chose to believe that with this, and it has allowed me to prosper much more had I chosen to sulk over it forever.

So, while this year in my book of life will always be marred, it was a good one in many ways as well.  Professionally, I’ve continued to grow immensely.  I love my job, love the people I work with and gain greater admiration and respect for the man I work for every day I come into the office.  I had the most incredible experience working for the Obama Campaign in South Florida, where I met so many incredible people and was fortunate to be a part of the greatest political campaign in American history.  I made more progress on my Masters degree and finally completed my comprehensive exams.  I’ve gained a renewed sense of independence, personal understanding and confidence.  I have amazing friends who were there for me through the bad times just as much as they were through the best of times, and aside from the two weeks I just suffered through earlier this month, I’ve had my health this year.

In my view, that’s a lot to be thankful for.  I’m not one to be greedy, but I have a feeling 2009 will be even better than 2008.  I should have my degree completed by the end of the year.  I’m hoping for a promotion at work that will allow me to expand my role and truly develop my professional potential.  I’m also hoping to travel a lot more, and have possibilities of trips to Israel, China and Taiwan.  I will truly do my best to embrace the fact that I will be turning 30 in June.  I will manage my money better and hopefully be a few steps closer to purchasing my condo.  I am confident I will celebrate with my fellow UF alums here in DC as the Gators claim another BCS National Title on January 8.  Finally, I will continue to be surrounded by incredible people who enhance my life and the world I live in.  If I can keep in good health, and maybe even lose a few pounds along the way, it would be a great year.  And then, of course, there are always a few surprises.

In any case, I’m excited for what’s to come, and I wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2009!