2009: The year of packing is over!

At the very beginning of 2009, I predicted the year of packing. Little did I know that the packing would progress from an oversees trip into sub-zero weather, to a full-blown move to across the country, to a local move in the last trimester of pregnancy (and did I mention that we have also helped my Mom move this year as well?). Jeez. I hope there will be no moving next year.

Aside from becoming a pro packer, a few pretty major things occurred in 2009:

1. I acquired a new funding source and a new co-advisor (thus resulting in a move across the country);
   
2. I had reached a major milestone in my graduate career;
3. We are expecting our first child!

All of the above have taken large amounts of preparation and work, and all have been life-changing in a dramatically positive way.

On the list of relatively more minor but still notable:

1. I ran my first 2 half-marathons (I wish that meant I ran a full one ;);
2. Some health issues got sorted out and thus became manageable;
3. I have done an impressive job integrating myself further into my technical community (if I must say so myself);
4. I now find myself in a much more positive work environment;
5. I now live in a state I like a whole lot more (in terms of weather, things to do, and more like-minded people).

Again, all these things have had a great impact on my life, and I hope to enjoy them further.

All in all, 2009 was a good year for me and my family, even though it feels like I barely blinked and it was over. After this overwhelmingly busy year, I hope I get to slow down a bit and enjoy the journey along the way, especially now that I have so many things in my life to enjoy!