2010: Year in Review

I kicked off 2010 in Denver, which, ironically, is where I turn to for a new beginning in 2011. This is the biggest decision I have made thus far in my life. Relocating was something I have had in my head for quite some time although I officially decided to start moving forward with a move to Denver after my trip in July. So for all of you who think I am nuts for moving to Denver in the middle of January - come see me in July and find out why I fell in love. So no matter what else happened in 2010 (and there was a lot) - I hope to look back on this year as "the year that I made the best decision of my life."

Moving means leaving my job. But I am a strong believer in going out with a bang - which I certainly did this year. I ran the department as VP of Public Relations for the first 3 months of the year while the rest of my team was out having (adorable) babies. I built Facebook pages, attended (and hosted) a number of Tweet-Ups which were all the rage for about 3 months of this year. Stacy and I put together the launch of the My M&M's Experience at M&M'S World on the Strip - with help from Mr. Gabe Ortiz, we turned the Welcome to Las Vegas sign into an edible spectacle made out of over half a million bite-sized candies. I got a new client, Tivoli Village, which has been a great project to brainstorm for and I can't wait for Vegas to see it all come to life come Spring 2011. And, of course, spent the year falling in love with a local through my Ethel M client. From Lover's Lane to an Art Walk benefiting Opportunity Village to over $310,000 in media coverage for the Holiday Cactus Garden in 3-D (inspired by this trip) - it's been the best year of my career yet.

Social media, as mentioned above, became even more all consuming than it was in 2009. I became obsessed with "checking-in" and gaining Mayorships all over town. If you were with me somewhere at some time in 2010, everyone knew it as I was busy tagging you and letting the world know where we were and what we were doing. I grabbed on to quite a few Mayorships that I was proud of, had a free grilled cheese thanks to FourSquare and continue to receive a discount at H&M thanks to Facebook Places.

I had some great trips this year - both in and out of town. A staycation with Chloe in March brought a lifetime of memories for the both of us and brought us even closer than we were before. That single trip narrowed the space between New Hampshire and Vegas and I will always fondly look back on that week knowing that, even if we tried, we could never recreate the amount of fun that was had. I was in Denver quite a bit - from a trip to surprise The Wiz for her birthday to a week in July spent imaging what life would be like when and if I did move to the Mile High. There were quite a few reunions thanks to visits from Lisa G, Linzi and Josh, PY, Ann and even one with my B.F.F. from 5th grade, Miss Lizzie Erickson. It was a year with a lot of girlfriends which always bring me a lot of laughter and plenty of photos in my back pocket so thank you, to each and every one of you, for taking the trip or generously hosting me. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Speaking of friendships....Benneton was made official in 2010 with the launch of our Facebook page and a blog that truly does us justice, thanks to X. Since she always says/writes it better than I, I suggest a brief intermission for you here. Just know that these two women are my older sisters and if we have crossed-paths and if you ever, somehow, crossed me...these were the girls to tell me what to do and how to handle it. B.F.F. Benneton Fucking Forever.

I used the f word on my blog for the first time ever here, and now again just above. My apologies, mom and dad.

30 blogs in 30 days - twice. Thanks to 30 days of happy in June and the traditional 30 in 30 in September and October. I hope that 2011 provides enough material to top that with 30 blogs in 30 days 3+ times.

I blushed as I was named one of the Hottest Singles in Vegas by VEGAS Magazine.

And quite a year of a single girl it was. I started it off with Spadoni and for those of you who know, you know. And for those of you who do not, let's just say that dating a musician really is everything they say it is. But I did get to listen/watch a few songs come together and that was an experience like none other. I got my groove back with a brief encounter with Harry Watson, who looked like he had just walked off the set of Gossip Girl and into my life. I had breakfast with Superchump which led to many a cordial nights down on Fremont East which have reminded me that I am a bigger person than I ever thought possible. I reunited with Chad which took me to 40 hours in Flagstaff where somewhere between healing crystals and miniature beers, we lost ourselves and unfortunately, realized that it will never be again what it once was. There were a number of Mikes but the Grossest one is the one who was my favorite but ultimately, the one who put shame on me as I allowed him to let me down not once, but twice. I had a boyfriend. For 3 weeks. Jeffrey James, I am sorry for whatever it is that I did for you cut me off in the way that you did. I never meant you any harm and only did what I felt was right for me. You know that I wish you the world and hope that one day, when I run in to you in the city we will soon share once again, that you allow me to buy you a beer and catch me up on your new beginning. I robbed the cradle with Joey, the sweetest thing, who can only be described in two syllables A-DORBS. I am ending the year back in contact with Bear whom I had fiercely missed in 2010.

I finished another semester in my Master's in Elementary Education. Gordie got sick which put me in a bit of debt but as most of you know, you cannot put a price tag on the kind of love I get from my dog. Gordon is my son, and as my mom rolls her eyes from how much I spill over him on a daily basis - I thank my lucky stars that he is healthy and as happy as ever. I burst into tears on the treadmill as I found out that I will be Auntie Knochers with the birth of Renee's son, Mr. Max Losey, come this February.

I joined a kickball league where I became a 2 time champ to then switched to a team where we never won a single game. The teams were equally fulfilling and after meeting so many great friends and toasting so many cold beers, I definitely plan to join a team come summer in Denver.

Short notes. Picnics. Hair Therapy at Globe. A whole lot of wine. LOST and still not really understanding. A White Trash Bash. Martini Mondays. A shaved Sienna. Loving Vegas. Introduced the world to Club Monster Curtis and Baby Bruce. Nights with Kid Sister. My Telenovela. Discovered gummy vitamins. Meeting and loving Pie. The L.A.P.D. Experience. Turned 27, which was not-so-serious after all. San Diego with Lo. Yelping. Karaoke at Dino's. 1,000 movies. Hats on a Doodle. Boots. Moving home. Concerts. Kings of Leon. Phoenix. Twice. Passion Pit. Band of Horses. Fictionist shows. The Get Back. LV and Denver editions. Ponchos. #36 Bikram Yoga. Bundt Cakes. Bonnie Springs. R.I.P. Kobe. Sunrises. Sunsets. Tapas and Sangria.

Most important thing I learned this year? You have the right to choose to be happy. I choose to be happy in 2011. I hope you do the same.

Happy New Year w/ Love,
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