2009... What a journey it's been!

I am so upset with myself for just now starting my blog. Better late than never, I guess. This year has been absolutely amazing... Brent and I moved into a new home, celebrated two years of marriage, went skydiving (Incredible!), went on some super fun trips (together: Atlanta, Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Las Vegas, Chattanooga... myself: Phoenix, Las Vegas twice, NYC, Charlotte, Evansville, New Orleans), and really just enjoyed life.

This year has probably been the most rewarding for me, for several reasons... I am married to my best friend, and even after almost eight years of being together, we can still make each other laugh and have so much fun. I have been at my job for two years now, and I am so thankful to be in a place where I'm appreciated and where I actually enjoy getting up to go to work every morning. 2009 marks 15 years that my BFF Erika and I have been friends... What a crazy, fun, emotional, and WONDERFUL 15 years it's been, friend! I wouldn't be where I am today without you. And finally, by the end of 2009, I will have run a total of 1,000 miles!! This accomplishment means so much to me, because at this time last year, I was very slowing starting back running after being forced to take a nine-month hiatus after a knee injury. One of my '09 resolutions was to enter as many races as I could... and that I did. I ran four 5Ks (2nd in my age group at one), two 10Ks (2nd in my age group at one), the Turkey Trot Relay (2nd Women Overall... thanks Autumn!), and the St. Jude Half Marathon (a PR... thanks again, Autumn!). I owe so much to Brent, who has been super supportive of my crazy running habits... To my dad (my friend), who would run with me and who I could talk to about all my running experiences... And to my friends Autumn and Hayley, who would run with me bright and early on so many mornings before work.

With all the negativity floating around this year, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such positive people and by so many wonderful things. I have an incredible family, including a beautiful baby niece, a super fun husband, amazing friends, the best dog in the world, a great job, and a roof over my head. So here's to 2010... and to squeezing in 47 more miles by Dec. 31 to reach 1,000 for the year! :)