Top 9 of 2009

I wanted to create a List of things from 2009.

Firsts, things I loved, experienced. Things that changed me.

1. Hollywood

Even though I moved to LA in Fall of 2008 with Ashley. I experienced a lot during 2009. I participated in my first protest for NOH8!! I got to go to amazing clubs, form relationships with people from all over the world, see celebrities, experience amazing fashion and attitudes that made me what to be as fearless as I'd always hoped I was. Not to mention I PURSUED MY DREAMS, fearlessly. I learned about who I am, who I want to be and how to act with mind, body & soul.

2. Friends

I have the most amazing friends. I missed them all so much when I went to LA, and now that I'm home in Boston we've been able to have fun, grown and bond even more. I would be lost without my friends and I am so grateful to the new friends that I am growing with everyday.

3. Skiing!

I learned how to ski in December 2006 and since then I have not taken ONE SINGLE LESSON, and I have only gotten better and I've even been able to ski Black Diamonds. Skiing is an experience where I can challenge myself and even in the most frustrating situation I am surrounded by beauty. Breathe-taking beauty. Below is a picture I took from Big Bear in Cali. Just gorgeous.

4. Sadness

I've experienced a lot of sadness this year. I wanted to include this because I feel that being true to your feelings and emotions are always important. I wasn't able to go to my second year of graduate school and had to take a leave of absence, a program I worked so hard to get into.I've had loved ones loose family, I've had fights with my mother to end all fights. I've felt powerless, I've felt depression. I don't say this to be pitiful, but instead to be mindful. We cannot just live each day in a valley of sadness, but to forge forward and replace those pieces with love. As much as I've wanted to lay down and cry, my little fighter in me would scream at me and pick me back up.

5. Travel!

Unfortunately I didn't get to travel outside of the country in 2009, but I saw a lot of the US. I went on a cross country road trip with my friend Kassy to Oklahoma, and we traveled saw a bunch of states that I would never had traveled to. I also went to St. Louis, Montpelier VT, P-Town, and all over Cali.

6. My Relationship

On December 5, I had my 3 year anniversary. I am now in the longest & happiest relationship I have ever been in. And this is how I know time goes by way to fast! It feels like we were just running around our college dorm rooms and now we've traveled back and forth to the West coast & are planning our next apartment in Boston.

7. BABY BELLA!!

I adopted my first puppy!!! We had to return her, but I got to be a puppy mommy for a few days and this only fueled my love for animals and my desire to volunteer and help the meek and voiceless.

8. Fashion/Pop Culture

I have become obsessed with pushing the boundaries and LOVING people who are putting themselves out there. Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Rihanna, Pink. 4 amazing people who are putting messages out there and aren't just singing a shitty love song. They are pushing people beyond their comfort levels with sexuality, politics, race and gender roles and I cannot thank them enough.

9. Body Image

Last, but not least, I have made a promise to myself to reach my ideal weight before my next b-day and I am working towards that goal daily. I have found an amazing weight management program called Cinch by Shaklee and I am now at my lowest weight ever and I am so close to my goals in a healthy happy way. I cannot wait to reach my goals and stop blaming bloating on why my painted on jeans are feeling a little more snug than usual.

So those are my Top 9 and I will be leaving you a Top 10 to get accomplished very soon!!!