2009

I've spent the last three hours looking at blogs (this is what happens when I'm off of work) from the past year. They made me remember all the wonderful and not so wonderful things that 2009 brought me.

This year:

I stopped crying.

I realized who would stick with me when I was a total mess -- and who wouldn’t. The results really surprised me.

I got over it and was happy it had happened. I can now throw away things I couldn’t before and look back on it with fond memories and SMILE.

I started school in a different place and though at first I was completely nervous, I formed amazing new friendships. It reminded me of one of the many things I like about small towns.

I went horseback riding 100+ times and gained a greater understanding of those magnificent creatures. I now want a horse of my own more than almost anything.

I welcomed home a childhood friend and our friendship has grown even more. I've built new friendships with his friends. Great times all year.

I fell in love with the Valley of the Sun all over again and all of my friends there.

I succeeded, when everyone told me I wouldn't, only to fail two weeks later.

I was overjoyed to have my brother home, after not seeing him for fourteen months. Those five years in the Marines had been tough.

I kissed a guy I had always wanted to, but had always found just out of reach up until that point. No regrets. I haven't seen him since.

I turned 22 and decided I am now officially old.

I lost my cell phone at least 584747 times.

I was broken but repaired by friends.

I routinely had my brother sprinkle sugar on me because I wasn’t "being sweet enough". Being farther, in distance, from my brothers than ever before made me grow even closer to them.

I stayed a loyal Diamondback fan even with the season they had. Mark Reynolds is the best - I don’t care about his K's or E5's.

I found a new favorite quote: "Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option" I tried to take this to heart, but still fail miserably.

I saw more blood on an animal than I have ever seen before.

I lost an irreplaceable friend who I thought I would never lose. I miss her every day.

I really did make a list of things I would like to do before I turn 90. I'm going to add to my list constantly as my dreams change.

I missed someone more than I have ever missed anyone else.

I seemed to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I realized that it's okay because one day I will be in the right place, at the right time, and everything will just magically fall into place.

I read a lot of amazing books and enjoyed many wonderful movies. I fell in love with Glee, a show filled with 'fluff', but one that could always make me laugh and that's all that mattered to me.

I strengthened relationships at work. Those who were once coworkers, became friends.

I came to a standstill. Everything about me felt so right but I realized everything about me is so wrong.

I wanted to go on an 'adventure', somewhere, anywhere, all year - but never did. I will next year.

I was myself, trying to be someone else, wanting to be myself.

I laughed.

I cried.

I laughed until I cried.

I was happy.

None of us know what 2010 will bring but I hope it brings as much happiness, love, and many more journeys for me as 2009 did.

In my 2009 blogs public and private I have done many of those stupid question things. Here are a few of my favorite answers:

Have you ever wanted something/someone you can't have?
you can just title this question "Hilary's Life Story"

Does it bother you when people try to make you jealous?
ha. nobody can try to make me jealous because I am already the most jealous person on the face of the earth.

Quote that reminds you of someone else:?
"Love isn't a feeling, it's a choice." -Dan in Real Life

Do you cry? Am I human?

Q - Quote from a movie: "My eyes were watering, and my tongue was swollen, and from that moment on, I was more careful about what I lick!" Brother Bear

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? yeah. my personality :))

Bring it on 2010.