2009 Recap Thinh-Tawn Style

Well folks 2009 was definitely an interesting year economically, worldly, nationally, locally, politically, celebrity gossiplly, personally, etc.  Yes, I did make up a new word, this is my blog duh, I can say whatever I want...haha, kinda.

I was inspired by Linda Nguyen to write a blog without dissing 2009 because in the end, it was just another year of learning, growing, and loving. Right? Right.  So here is my personal take on 2009, not Skillz's Wrap Up style though because I'm not that dope. Word.

• I learned that Social Media is now changing the way we interact with people.  It is the source that could potentially help or hurt others - use it wisely.  Don't send cryptic messages! It always gets misconstrued.
  
• I learned that in moments when things are dark, that folks who love you the most will come out. 
  
• I learned that there is nothing wrong with going to a shrink.  If anything, it helps.  And through that, I've connected with many other women by sharing my experiences.
• I learned how to feel and connect with others...and now more than ever, I can empathize rather than sympathize. Yes, I have feelings now!!
  
• I read more books this year. Expanded my vocabulary and placed a few more wrinkles in my brain.
  
• I re-connected with a lot old friends. Hello? Here I am!!
  
• I learned how to get back on my own two feet after being kicked when I was already down. Ouch! Let me tell you, it didn't feel too good.
• I shared more. 
• I spoke at the Theta Nu Xi national convention for brunch and managed to cry and have others cry with me.  Again, starting to connect more. It was a moment that defined what I needed to do for myself.
• I realized how strong my female friends are; they provided me the guiding light and the inspiration.
  
• I became more spiritual. I changed some of my music selection at times and India Arie always lifted me up in the morning. And YES, I STILL want India Arie at my wedding whenever the time comes.
  
• I lost a whopping 15 lbs, and am now cooking for myself more. I know, Tawn, cook? YES. Simple cooking for a simple girl.
• I jumped off an 8 story building. Literally.
  
• I started working on my Makeup Artistry hobby and found a photographer partner.
  
• I made some really great friends from work and glad they are part of my life.
• Although cynical about people's intentions for the most part this year, I know that there are wonderful folks who exist. Word.
  
• I learned improv, somewhat got over my fears of the unknown, and met really great people. Performed on stage for the first time in a few years.
  
• Discovered how badass Avant Garden is.
• I lost my smile for a minute, but now my smile is even bigger than it has ever been, and my deep laugh is back and roaring.
  
• I traveled again, and will continue to do so.
• I learned more about my parents' past, and continue to appreciate everything they've done for me.
• I bought myself a gold necklace of a Lioness, my totem. A gift to myself.
• I've come to reallly love Borders Book.
• I got myself a public library card at the Houston Public Library.
• I got to go to a lot of concerts, basketball games, hockey games, and football games this year in Houston.  Most of which I had badass seats. I also met the owner of the New Orleans Saints he sat next to us (technically it's his daughter's now).  This is the most games I've been to in my life.
  
• I started dancing each morning when I got ready for work, Camerin Diaz style. Yes, Pandora on your phone is GREAT!
• I barely shopped this year. I got financially wiser.
  
• I follow different newspapers now.
• Short hair was this year's theme.  I loved the short cuts I got. I think 2010 I will be growing it out.
• I've gotten back into non-profit work and volunteerism with many of my nights spent doing that.
• My roommate and I held a lot of Game Nights at our apartment.  Love it.
• Saw more movie rentals this year.
• Saw more movies in general.
• I implemented the 1 touch rule at work and somewhat at home (ok, the home part not so much) for organizational purposes. You touch it, you better throw it away or file it.  Kinda hard, but it's better than trying to search for it later.
• I had a plain cubicle for awhile and so I decided to start decorating it. Then I watched my coworkers get to know me more.
  
• I had a badass Halloween costume: Douchebag Tawm.  Classic.
• My brother proposed to Diana Tran. 
• My little sister started dating someone. Weird.
• My Mother healed well after her fall in the summer.
• My Dad is doing better and is more happy since his last kid graduated from college.  We fulfilled his hopes and desires as children.

And I think those are the main points... a great 2009, and now I'm ready for 2010, a new decade!