Twenty-Ten

Time for that obligatory moment of reflection that comes with this passing of time, as we not only pass forth into another year but into a new decade.
2009 was a good year. I mean, it had ups and downs. Some of the downs were pretty low, but I cannot forget the times I smiled. I turned 21 in Chicago, surrounded by some pretty spectacular people. I went to NYC, which I set up all by myself and was able to acquire room with great people (versus paying tons of money on some shitty hotel.)  I had many an exploit in The City (Chicago,) meeting some pretty cool people during the Spring months. I lost a shit ton of weight, and I've worked on further bettering myself as an individual; which was marked by my cousin David noting how I have become "a man." I mean, when the hell did that happen? When did I grow up?
Sure, this year had some lows; but the fact that I have made my way through them only shows that I was a survivor, that I took my licks and hopefully took away a lesson or two. I think that's how I've felt most about this year. I feel that it's really been transformative. I've really developed myself into who I want to be for the rest of my life. A lot of the ways I've wanted to be, I've been that guy. I got the tattoos I've wanted, bought the clothes I've wanted, planned the trips I've wanted to go on, etc, etc. I've made so much happen, and it's really been empowering.
And so in this final hour of 2009, I happily greet the new decade, but bid a grateful farewell to that which I leave behind.