So here it is, the last day of a year and a decade start in less than 12 hours for me. It didn’t really hit me until this morning, though I’ve been seeing people’s thoughts about the end of the year and a decade for about week now.

Most people usually are glad to end a year and get a fresh new start; the same goes with a decade. This time of year is filled with resolutions, lists of things people will do differently, or yet again attempt to do differently – promises to themselves that they won’t let next year be the same as last.

And yet, as I sit here writing this blog entry, I realize that something big has changed in me this past year and decade as well. Here I sit, at a fold out table in my tent in Afghanistan, completely satisfied with the year and decade I have had. Slightly sad that I won’t be celebrating the New Year in Phoenix, I am excited to be celebrating it with new friends here (and working of course).

I don’t really do resolutions. I think they are not only empty promises, but in a way, they allow people to hold onto the past. However, I do want to spend some time reflecting on the amazing year and decade that I have had.

2009 started with me having only lived in Phoenix for a little over two months. I had prematurely started my “do over” and it was a year full of fun and excitement. I made more friends and fell in to place quicker than I ever thought I would in just a year’s time. I started three local events, IxDA Phoenix, Phoenix Actually, and Smunch. I fell in love with a job I moved across the country for, and I began for the first time in what seemed like ages, to fall in love with myself again. That was a big highlight of my year. I have become increasingly more comfortable with myself and being by myself. In fact, this is the first year this decade that I have not dated anyone. To me that signifies not a loss, but rather a true win. In the end I didn’t have to put up with dating some asshat who either wanted me to lose the job for some pearls and an apron or would use me for the job and stability I had.

2009 also gave me some great times with friends, some sad times we helped each other through, and new friends all over the world. It gave me my first trip to California where I was able to visit Napa Valley, San Francisco, and enjoy a day being pampered at the spa for the first time. 2009 gave me more business trips than in a year than I’ve had in my lifetime, and the courage to temporarily relocate to Afghanistan to support the Marines.

Also, just think how much this decade has brought: mobile phones, facebook, MySpace, iPods, satellite radio, twitter, acceptance of other people, the return of New Kids on the Block, focus on the environment, and so much more.

The entire decade as a whole though has been absolutely incredible. I became much closer with my family, in particular my father. Drew Carey bought me a shot. I bought Pat McCurdy a shot. I also lived most of my 20s in the past decade, with my 30th birthday approaching towards the end of 2010. The decade began while I was in undergraduate school and to think of all the experiences, both good and bad, that I’ve had in the past 10 years is almost exhausting. Shortly after the decade began, and for five years, was my big long term relationship. Its end, was the biggest turning point and challenge in my life.

Here are some of the highlights from 2000-2009:

• Jobs Lost: 1
• Jobs (excluding part time in school): 4
• Number of times graduated: 2
• Degrees acquired: 3
• States lived in: 4
• Cars bought: 2
• Relationships: 3
• Mobile phones: 5
• Computers: 5
• Countries stepped foot in: 4
• Confidence level increase: too high to count
• Reunion concerts: 2
• States stepped foot in: 13+
• Piercings: 6
• Tattoos: 0

I’m going to miss 2000-2009, but it will never be forgotten. These were true growing and learning experiences of my life that molded me into the person I am today. I am grateful for everything that has occurred, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I look forward to 2010 being even more of an experience. I look forward to more friends, more times with family, maybe a relationship or two. Most of all, I look forward to myself.

Bring it on 2010! I’m ready!