...don't blink...

I'm a list-maker.  People like me really are a different breed.  We constantly have multiple lists, we can find a reason in any situation to make a list, and we don't feel accomplished until we've checked everything off the list.  Heck, we'll even make a list out of things we've already done...just so we can keep track of progress.    We're generally Type-A.  We compartmentalize things, including our lives. We're weird...but we all have a logical explanation for our actions.

As 2009 began, I quickly realized that I didn't remember my 2008 New Year's Resolution.  Obviously this either meant that I kept it easily, or that it wasn't really very meaningful in the first place. So I decided that, in 2009, I would make a "to-do" list for the year...things that I wanted to do by the end of 2009. 

In about October I re-read that list...and I had to marvel at the many items on my list which I had completely forgotten.  So many aspects of my life had changed, circumstances altered that no longer made my list item applicapble.  As most of the world can agree, the year 2009 brought about a lot of changes in many people's lives.  Aside from the events and issues plaguing the news channels, the "plan" which is my life has been littered with plenty of detours and discovery over the past 12 months.  All of which continue to remind me how fortunate I am to find myself surrounded by such wonderful people and opportunity.


In 2009 I lived so much...through the pain of losing a grandparent (and the joy of remission in another), through the thrill of vacations with amazing friends, through heartache and the value of friendship found in recovery, and through the anxiety of public speaking & professional development.  I am happy to say that in 2009, I lived through the journey of self discovery as I continue on my path to my future.     

In 2009, I completed half of the academic portion of my degree.  That's right, I only have 3 more semesters of classes!!  (Then another year of internship before I graduate) And while I still feel like 2012 will never be here, I have plenty of exciting things to keep me busy while I'm waiting for time to pass.

In 2009, school went well.  Aside from the stress of exams, projects, and presentations, I kept busy.  Student Academy of Audiology is doing great (thank you to those of you who have supported us by attending our Chili's fundraisers!)  and elections just ended, so I will be able shuffle some responsibility to my Pres-elect as I prepare to step down from President and enjoy my time as a regular member!


In 2009, as hard as I tried, I found it impossible to stay out of the research lab (big surprise). I started working on another project with Dr. Pittman in the Pediatric Amplification Lab.  Data collection is almost finished and I'm looking forward to seeing what our findings will conclude.

In 2009, I headed to New Orleans for the American Speech-Language & Hearing Association's Convention in November.  As my first national convention, and I was so impressed, inspired, overwhelmed, and overcome by many, many other feelings.  I went to some truly amazing sessions and had the chance to meet some people in my field who I look up to tremendously.  It was refreshing to be reminded why I continue to work so hard.  Of course, you cannot go to a Convention in NOLA without experiencing the local life...and I assure you, in 2009, I had a blast in New Orleans.  I was accompanied by a handful of Speech Pathology students (including my roommate), and we made sure to get our fill of both the ASHA Convention and the Big Easy. 

In 2009, I started a new part-time job.  I work as a newborn hearing screener and am currently at St. Joseph's hospital in Phoenix, testing the hearing of every baby who is born at or transfered to a NICU at St Joe's.  (For those of you who may be wondering: yes, we screen ALL the babies. And yes, I get to hold newborns everytime I go to work...and yes, I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of my job.)  It is safe to say that I absolutely love my job and I am looking forward to exploring the posibility of my future career working with really, really little patients!

I could go on and on about the many other wonderful things that happened and people I met in 2009, but as much as I loved 2009, I'm so excited about 2010.  As I prepare my "things to do in 2010" list, I am anxiously looking forward to many things.

In 2010, I start an internship at Phoenix Children's hospital in January something that I am looking forward to so much that I can hardly stand waiting until my start date.

In 2010, I will continue training to compete in the PF Chang's Half Marathon in January - so wish me luck as I embark on the longest run of my life!

In 2010, I am looking forward to continuing the Super Sisters Mentor program with Jessica as we make our way towards May when she will graduate from the program.



In 2010 I hope to travel to new places, meet new people, catch up with people with whom I've fallen out of touch, open more doors of opportunity, relax, breathe, and overall just get to know myself and the people in my life better than I did in 2009. 




So happy end of 2009 to each of you. May 2010 bring you happiness and a greater love for life than you've ever known before.