Looking back on 2009

Given that 2009 hasn't been a very reflective year (as is evidenced by my lack of reflective - or any - blog updates) I thought I'd take a moment to look back on why, exactly, I haven't had that much to ponder on.

The answer is very simple: I was having too much fun.

I have compiled a list of things that have kept me busy this year and it's made me smile all the way through:

• Went to visit my bestest friend in England in Feb and spent a fabulous week over there
• Went to LA in April and had an wonderful time there
• Was home for a blink after that and then went to Liverpool for an amazing experience with the Liverpool Habitat for Humanity. I cannot stress how humbling and exciting that trip was.
• In June I went to visit my oldest friend in Canada and had a lovely time there with her and her family. Niagra Falls was a definite highlight.
• Then I went to Berlin as a chaperone on a school trip. I hadn't been there since before the wall came down. Another thought-provoking and amazing trip.
• My dear friend Suze came over for a short visit in the summer vacation and we hung out like we live around the corner from each other instead of across the channel. I love that.
  
• The summer vacation also had a lovely surprise in a ticket for a festival I wasn't planning to go to but had a great time at. Lots of good music and friends.
• Went to England with my sister and her daughter and seeing a panto through 5-year-old eyes is a magical thing. We spent the weekend at our parents' best friend's place and it was like being a kid again.
• A dear friend of mine became the singer of a fairly established Dutch band and I couldn't be prouder of him. Mostly because he is determined to stay "normal" (not that he was terribly normal before he won - haha)
• Some amazing concerts and shows: Schudden, Oasis, Company Unwanted, Propagandhi, Lowlands [Them Crooked Vultures, Paolo Nutini, Faith No More, The Prodigy], Intwine, Di-Rect, 30 Seconds to Mars, P!nk, Marilyn Manson, Eddie Izzard and The Rasmus.
• Spent loads of time with my wonderful family and saw my friends at several great parties.
• I rediscovered my job and love it all over again.

I am a very lucky person and yes, I am very aware of that.

The day after tomorrow (good name for a movie) is going to be the beginning of the second decade in the 21st century and I am excited. I have lots of plans and lots of things to look forward to. Two trips to England, my sister's 30th birthday, a 60th birthday, house hunting in Amsterdam, more time with my family and friends and more challenges at work. Every day is a new adventure and every choice brings a new opportunity. It's all good.

So, to whomever has bothered to read through all of this, I say the following - grab someone you love tomorrow night, grab them close. If you're lucky there will be more than one and if you're only just starting out it'll be someone new. Sing a song, steal a kiss, light a sparkler. Laugh, dance and be merry (but if you're too merry, don't drive, okay?). Michael Jackson said it best: This is it. What are you waiting for? Jump into the new year with an open mind, full heart and a dollop of hope.

All the best in 2010, may it bring you health, hope and happiness. -xxx- Jo

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edited to add:
I just found my New Year's Resolutions from last year, thought I'd let you know how I did.

Money Resolution: I will not spend money on things I don't need.
This worked out much better than I thought it would. I did buy some frivolous things but not nearly as much as I normally would have. Am quite proud of this one.

Work Resolution: I will find a teaching job closer to home.
This one didn't work at all. I went back to my old job, even! On the plus side, though, I have turned this one around and am now prepared to move closer to my job, really looking forward to it, actually.

Travel Resolution: I will not travel beyond my means but I mean to travel to all of my planned destinations.
This one went very well. Watched my pennies and made things work.

Health Resolution: My body is my temple, I should treat it as such. I will go to the gym twice a week and I will eat mostly balanced meals every day.
Yeah this didn't really work at all. I've gained weight again and have stopped going to the gym entirely with no intention of going back to it. I am trying to get more fruit and veg in me, with varying results.

Happiness Resolution: I will keep my best interests in mind at all times and make choices for me.
This one I am also very proud of. I really feel like I am my own person, living my life. It's a fantastic feeling.

Cherries on top Resolution: I will give literature an increased priority. My own and that of others. I will break out the writing pad and continue my story and attempt to read at least one book a month.
This one didn't work, either. I am reading books but not nearly as many as I had planned and mostly from outside sources instead of from my own unread collection. My own story has stagnated completely and I'm not sure I can pick it up again.