What did 2009 mean to you?

I have already posted "2009 in pictures" but now I am working on another tribute to 2009. I officially have finished my 2009 scrapbook, but I have one page left over. I pondered what to do with the extra page during a relaxing bubble bath and decided it would be nice if I wrote a little something about 2009, what it meant to me and it's milestones and then something about what I am looking forward to in 2010. Don't you think it will be nice to look at this scrapbook 10, 15 or 20 years down the road and read my personal thoughts? Maybe I am the only sappy person out there...I have been working on it off and on for a week or so and here is what it is looking like:

2009 was a year of many, many changes-some for the good and some for the bad. First off, it was one more year without Grandpa, not that it is getting any easier. There are so many days that I just feel like I need him, because he is the only one who would care about my whining and crying something and understand me. He was great about that! It saddens me to know that he was not able to meet Stephen, who I truly believe is my better half.

Meeting Stephen this year was incredible. I will never forget waiting in the "cell lot" at Jacksonville International Airport at midnight waiting for him flight to land. I remember praying the entire time, that our hearts would be in the right places and open to God's will for our lives whether it be beginning a 900 mile relationship or just being able to say I know someone who lives in Mexico, Indiana. Turns out it was something serious, and following our meeting in January we have flown every month of the year to be together at some point. We have made so many memories in multiple states during the first year of our relationship and I couldn't be happier about that. Thank you Serena for introducing us :)

Just when life seemed all too perfect, it started raining (as it always does). In July I was laid off from my then 3 year job that I had grown to LOVE. After weeks of looking for jobs and getting a couple of interviews, I landed a break at my current job with Dr. Gielincki. Had I ever worked in a medical environment? No, but now it is just another thing to add to my resume. Though some days I really do not care for the job, I know that I am blessed to have a job in this tough economy. Obama says it is getting better...we'll see.

God has challenged me and blessed me in 2009 with so many things. I can only pray and look forward to 2010 with an open heart!