A brief look back

I'm generally not one for Year-in-Review kinds of posts, but I have to admit that this past year was a pretty big one in a lot of ways for yours truly.  Lots of changes in my life and those around me, and by and large in very good ways.  Not every bit of news was happy, but on balance 2009 went pretty well.

The highlights (in no particular order):
- Bought a house (after a very long, eight-month search)
- Popped The Question (and got The Right Answer)
- Saw two of my closest friends welcome beautiful baby girls into their families, with kids coming into the lives of other friends and family as well.
- I stayed employed, and stayed busy (key to the staying employed, as you can imagine) with a company that actually saw growth in '09.
- Got to see my brother and sister-in-law in their new house (found, coincidentally enough, the same weekend we found ours)
- Had a great birthday and birthday week (although the actual getting-older part is somewhat dubious as a highlight...), followed by a fantastic Christmas visit with my family in Florida.

As lowlights go, just about the only major blemish on 2009 was that we lost Gramps.  He is still missed, and still loved, and will be fondly remembered this and every year.  One bittersweet thing about planning the wedding is the knowledge that he won't be there to see it.  But he did get to meet The Girl, and it's good to know that he wholeheartedly approved of her.  I guess you could say he will be there with us, just at a different table.

So as years go, 2009 was a pretty good one, and it gives way to a 2010 that is already looking to be busier (if that's possible).  Lots of travel, and what I am sure are going to be many adventures in wedding planning.  I don't know that I have much in the way of resolutions, but I have some goals.  One of them is (again) to be a little better about keeping up with this place, but if you've been reading for any length of time you know how challenging that will be.  But I do appreciate those of you who stop by.  Some I know, many I don't, but I thank everyone just the same. 

So Happy New Year to all.  May 2010 bring you all the good news you can handle.  And then throw in a little more, because moderation is overrated in that particular area.