Happy New Year 2009Happy 2009! I’ve spent the past 24 hours reflecting, as have many of my friends and family, I’m sure. The last year was definitely good to me.

This time last year, I was struggling with the final details of my grad school applications, wondering where in the world I would land. I took a trip to the Midwest in February to check out Northwestern and UW Madison. The goal was two fold: to investigate the Speech Language Pathology programs further and to ease my concern about surviving a winter of sub-zero temperatures. I remember the shock of walking through the streets of downtown Chicago, feeling tears stream down my face as my body fought the wind and cold. Somehow that didn’t deter me from moving here. In March, I dealt with the emotional roller coaster of waiting to hear back from grad schools and accepting the humbling experience of being rejected. By April, things were in motion as I struggled with the reality of leaving everything familiar and comforting in the Bay Area, of leaving friends who have known me forever, and of living more than 5 miles from my sister. I wasn’t sure I’d survive it, yet here I am. And I dare say I’m thriving. May and June were a whirlwind of packing up my life and then the adventure took off like a rocket in July when Susan and I took to the road. Six months later, I find myself looking out the living room window at the lake (which is once again full of ice) and looking forward to classes starting again on Monday.

Yes, 2008 provided me with a season of change and I suspect 2009 will be a season of growth. I look forward to the challenges, the delight, and the life ahead. Happy New Year!

holiday cheer Jan skyline no swimming in Lake Michigan