As the New Year approaches, it seems as though it’s a theme in the blogosphere to be writing about their New Year resolutions. Yes… I want to join a gym, lose 20 pounds, be a better person, blah blah blah. But let’s be real here for a second.

My 2009 was a whirlwind. To say the least.

I turned 22, which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I suddenly wasn’t 21 anymore. I wasn’t “just able to drink” anymore. It was really the first Birthday that I felt older. Don’t laugh. I know I’m young and I have the whole world ahead of me, but it was an interesting feeling.

My second semester senior year (spring of 2009) I became the Editor-in-chief of the CU Newspaper. This was such an incredible experience and literally shaped my knowledge as I graduated in May. I learned so much about journalism, teaching, leadership, friendship, motivation, inspiration, dedication, some other “tions” that I don’t even know yet, and most of all, it helped me learn about myself and the kind of person and work ethic I have developed over the years.

I graduated college. It’s weird to say, but I knew I was going to graduate when I started my freshman year at CU. But, it was amazing and somewhat surprising that graduation day had actually arrived. I did it. I studied hard and graduated from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at CU. You can see a collection of memories throughout my college career here.

My brother graduated from high school. This amazes me. Not because I didn’t think he could do it, but because my little (younger – since he’s technically bigger than me) was going to be a college student. He was going to take my place as a CU Buffalo. And I know college boys…I wasn’t ready for him to be one of those.

I got a job two months after I graduated college. Despite most everyone’s pessimism when it came to me applying for jobs, I landed not one, but two jobs. One of which happened to be my dream job that I took without a second thought. I did it. I created my reality and began the journey to make my dreams come true.

I moved to San Francisco. After accepting my dream job at Context Optional, I had two weeks to pack my stuff, find a place to live in San Francisco, sign a lease, get keys, and move all of my belongings over 1200 miles away from where I grew up. As you know, this move was the biggest change in my life. Ever. You can read about it: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

I was the Maid of Honor at my best friend’s wedding. Holy hell was that weird. I never thought I would be old enough when marriage was actually acceptable and not deemed “inappropriate.” Being the Maid of Honor require a lot of work – from planning a Bachellorette Party to giving wedding toasts, it was definitely an incredible experience. And I couldn’t be happier for my best friend in the world.

My mom sold our childhood house. This was especially challenging for me as I was in San Francisco and was unable to give my house a proper goodbye. There were so many memories made within the walls of that house that it was hard to let it go. But, in the end, it was the best decision for my mom and that’s what matters.

I went on my first business trip. This was an incredible learning experience for me. Whilst working primarily within the social sphere, I feared I had lost my ability to interact face-to-face. This business trip taught me how to listen, consider and respond while in the midst of a fast paced work environment. I have fine-tuned my brainstorming skills and ability to convey ideas in person and would encourage any of you other “social nerds” to get out there and do the same.

I travelled out of the country to Jamaica. After my first six months in the working world, and after picking up my whole life and moving to a city where I knew no one, it was definitely nice to get away to paradise for a week.

As you can see, whirlwind doesn’t even begin to describe the year I’ve had. But it’s been amazing. I’ve accomplished some of my biggest goals and when I sit down and think about 2010 and what the future holds for me, I can’t help but smile and think, “I don’t know how 2010 can be any better than 2009.”