Into the New Year

With 2010 just around the corner, I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and post a few of my own personal highlights of 2009...

I guess the best part of 2009 started in 2008, with my interview at Milwaukee Center for Independence, and the phone call that followed saying I could start either the 5th or the 12th of January, 2009. So, folks, on January 12, 2010, I will have been working as a Nurse Case Manager for an entire year. My coworkers are excited because they know I'll bring in goodies. My case load is at 102 out of a maximum of 80 but, in spite of the complaints I sometimes make, I love this job. I love my coworkers, and I especially love the people I help take care of.

In February I drove to Chicago to meet my good friend Sam from Minneapolis. She had a little bit of a longer drive than I did, and what did we go for? Deer Tick was playing a $10 show at a tiny Venue called the Empty Bottle. Worth every penny and the cost of gas, hotel, and parking!

In March, My 1989 Honda Accord was smashed by a Ford F150. I still harbor resentment. I loved that car. We'd been through a lot together. But, it does bring me to my next big hurrah of 2009. On Pi Day (3.14) I purchased my Honda Fit! And it's orange. And I named her Clementine. Because it fit. It is such a fun car to drive! My only regret is that I'm not the only one with an orange Fit. I see those cuties everywhere now. ;-)

In no particular order now (because I don't remember the dates) some other highlights were:

Seeing the National for the first time live! My favorite band and they played my favorite song!

Saw Lucero live for the second time!

Neko Case. I saw her too! Also second time!

Saw the Fiery Furnaces live for the first time.

The Books. Seeing them live was amazing. Almost like I could physically feel all my troubles draining from my mind.

I'm sure I can come up with some highlights that don't revolve around concerts...

I joined LA Fitness and discovered Step Aerobics. I also discovered how much I love working out. So much that I don't even need to make it a resolution.

Saw my aunt and uncle and cousin and her kids (including the new baby!!) for 4th of July weekend. Had a blast. Almost died in the Arizona sun (exaggeration?).

I made my decision not to return to my graduate certificate program. One expensive semester was enough and the purpose of grad school was to move here and find a job anyway. Mission accomplished!

I adopted Fiona. Never considered myself much of a cat person, and I still want a dog with all my heart, but Fiona is such a good little kitty. I love her chirps and she plays peek-a-boo and gives me shoulder rubs. Not even kidding. I know everyone's cat has their own little unique quirks. I love the ones that my cat has acquired.

I spent $760 at Ikea. Maybe not a highlight but my new couch and bed sure are! Now I just need to make paying the rest of that off my New Year's Resolution.

And last, but in no way least, I started meeting some awesome people through Twitter. It's a great bunch of people and I love that I can call some of them friends. IRL friends, you guys.

So, here's hoping 2010 is just as awesome as 2009!