So long, 2009!

Every year, I look back on the past 12 months, and exclaim that it's been a whirlwind of a year. This one is no different.
I purchased my house in October of 2008, so 2009 was the year that I got to experience being a home owner. I think I got lucky! Nothing major broke! Well, flux capacitor on my air conditioner broke during the hottest time of the summer, but my friend Keith rescued me within 48 hours. We started the conversion of the garage into a studio, but we still have quite a bit of work to do. Other than that, it hasn't been much unlike renting. Oh yeah, except that I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT TO MY HOUSE and I NEVER HAVE TO MOVE AGAIN. Those things are so totally awesome.
What else?
I delved deeper into belly dance. Tried my hand at fusion, and discovered that I like classic Egyptian style better. (who knew?) Went to Tribal Fest, and had an AMAZING time renting a house on the coast with the ladies of Tribalation! and Gypsy Fire. (though Tribal Fest itself was kind of disappointing.) Studied more with Bahaia, and took a class from Stacey Lizette. I love Stacey's intense drilling! I hope to take another class from her in the future.
I started back to school! I discovered that my company would pay for me to pursue a Master's in Nutrition, so I enrolled in online classes, and I'm just starting my 2nd term. Love it!
I joined a burlesque troupe - Black Widow Burlesque. I quit to attend school, but I miss it so much that I'm working out a way to go back.
I knitted socks! Ryq told me to stop being a pansy & just knit the damn things... so I did! And it worked! One was a bit bigger than the other... but heck, it was my first pair!
I experimented with eating habits... tried raw foods for 2 weeks, did a green smoothie cleanse...
I gained a frightening amount of weight & started losing it the gradual, healthy way.

Most importantly, I lost my grandfather, Robert Rayfield. This was my first experience losing someone close to me, and it wasn't what I expected... I miss him, but I am so glad that he isn't in pain anymore.

Well, those are some of the highlights of 2009...

In 2010... I intend to:

develop more as a performer - both in belly dance & burlesque
ace all my classes like a champ
knit more socks
eat a 90% raw foods diet

Have a great holiday season & I hope that 2010 is a wonderful year for everyone!