Bring it, friggin' new year!

We can definitely say that 2010 kicked the boo-tay of 2009. We had nowhere to go but up. Healing was on the horizon, but it had to get worse before it got better.

So here is my Top-Something Countdown of 2010:

* January brought the earthquake in Haiti, along with some serious learning and changes for me as a parent of trauma (Shame, shame on you)

* February brought life and death. We discovered that our kids' first family in Haiti were all alive and safe. And then we lost a dear, dear friend.

* March was a month of life-long gifts for me. I met these ladies for the very first time, and they are now a constant stream of support in my life. I also met this gal, who is currently my neighbor and insanely dear friend. When you meet another person who is parenting trauma, you connect immediately. There is just nothing like it. Then, when you find those rare gems that connect with you on a million other levels ... well, you have these women who bring tears to my eyes just seeing a picture of their face. Love them, love them, love them, love them, L.O.V.E. T.H.E.M.

* In April we celebrated two years with our kids from the hard places (Would you do it all over again?) - they are our heroes

* In May I issued a week-long Attachment Challenge, and actually heard 4,293 women curse my name at the exact same time! Really. Pretty sure it was on the news. Simultaneously, we were watching our business begin to explode ... in a good way ... with actual business. The oil work in the area began to flood us, and will now continue to do so for the next several years. And we had reason to celebrate.

* In June I turned 38 and also took a risk. I attended my 20th class reunion. So many old friends see each other and keep in touch. I no longer have family in town and had not been back in many years. So, I wasn't sure if I'd be a fifth wheel. It was so worth it. I have rekindled old friendships and built friendships from old acquaintances. Not to mention, it was dang fun.

* It was a year of amazing friendships! In July I met the Fambly in realsie life. We hit the ground running and have never looked back. A trip to Austin without seeing them is a, "What was the point?" I may have also blogged about niacin ... and quite possibly my arm pits.

* In August my parents shared about their weight loss. There was also this little conference I went to which gave me my first taste of NYC and introduced me to some of the most lovely people on the planet.

* In September my heart exploded as I celebrated 15 years of marriage with my husband and witnessed amazing love from friends. Not to mention, when you tell the entire interweb that your husband is hot in bed, you can pretty much use that to get whatever you want for months on end. I highly suggest it.

* In October I ran a 5K and walked with my friend who was fighting for her ... everything.

* In November my dreads had their first birthday. I also admitted some of my really embarrassing realities of my former phobia.

* In December, I declared a new war on Christmas.

I'm entering 2011 with happiness and hope and some new color in my hair. You can't control your circumstances. You can't control others. However, you have a lot of choice and a lot of strength. Grab it by the horns, friends, and make it a good one.