welcome, 2010!

now that 2009 is all wrapped up (and in my head, tied with a pretty little bow like my mini-quilt above), i can't help but reflect just a bit about the events of the past year. so here, off the cuff, are a few things that come to mind:

: january: i turned the page and decided once and for all that happiness is a conscious decision and that i can choose my attitude, interactions, and oftentimes more importantly, my reactions to things beyond my control. as a result, i've never been more aware of allowing my own little light to shine and of sharing my love, happiness, and "joie de vivre" with others.... and the effect on my life has been most rewarding, though a daily challenge i've been trying to meet head on.

:february: Hope for our nation. Barack Obama is inaugurated as our new President. And while his support has waned since, my belief in him remains strong. Patience is a virtue; he doesn't have a magic wand to wave that will fix all our nation's many problems. We shall see....

: march: UNC men's basketball won the NCAA National Championship-- certainly worth mentioning since I still think my blood runs at least partially Carolina Blue! (and i won $300 in our office pool by picking the Final 4 and overall winner, with no one else even close! bet i can't do that again....)

:april: changed positions at SCAD and became the School of Design rep. Best school, hands down. so i now get to sit in on Furniture Design, Design for Sustainability, Design Management, Industrial Design, Service Design, Metals and Jewelry and Fibers courses every quarter! such a privilege for sure. "blue skies, shining on me...." things definitely shifted at work. happy to say I truly enjoythe work that I do once again.

:july: celebrated a wonderful 28th birthday and discovered a week later that our lives will never be the same... baby Eleanor Jo is on the way! sometimes it feels as if my heart might burst with gratitude. the pure joy of feeling her movements regularly is indescribable... knowing kevin and i have begun this most incredible journey....

:october: was able to spend quality time with my brother, whom i don't get to see near enough. but knowing that he's out there with all his unlimited potential and the same "joie de vivre" is comforting. a restful trip to the mountains with kevin, kiel and friends relaxed my mind and put me at ease during an emotional, roller-coaster ride of a time...

:november: spent a memorable thanksgiving at the lake with family. another year has passed, and my Papa (who had quadruple bypass heart surgery when i was in 2nd grade and another heart scare just a few years back) is still here, with good reports from his doctors that his heart is stronger than ever. a blessing indeed. can't wait to introduce him to his great-granddaughter!

:december: learned the meaning of "hunting widow," as kevin discovered his new passion for bowhunting. with 6 deer (and counting) under his belt this year so far, we have a very stocked freezer. not to mention a new understanding about the independence each of us desire in our marriage and the differences in which we are mentally preparing to welcome Ellie in just a few short months. once explained to me, sitting in a tree stand in the middle of the woods for hours on end sounds mighty peaceful and perhaps the perfect setting for reflecting and hoping after all..... kevin has his haven, i have my own.

so that was just a quick recap and look back on year filled, thankfully, with many more wonderful events than trying times-- a blessing indeed!

Here's hoping for an equally wonderful, even more amazing 2010! I can hardly wait for all that's in store....

Much love and Happy New Year!