wrapping up 2009.

So as per every blog, possibly in existence, this will be my end of year/new year post. UNFORTUNATELY, I don’t believe in ‘new year resolutions’ so you won’t get any of that =p (it’s hard to improve on something already so awesome... AHEM*) JUST KIDDING.

2009. What a year. 2008 Derek was absolutely nothing like 2009 Derek, and I’m very very very glad to be saying that. Of course my memory is horrible enough that I can’t even remember half of the great things that happened... but here’s the shout out list to the big things of 2009 in no particular order that really had an impact on my life. Good and bad. I’ll admit that I went through all my facebook pics to jolt my memory for most of this list =p. But anyways... here goes, 2009!

2009 SHOUT OUTS:

• I got to live through another year! =). Life is a gift people. Learn to CHERISH it! Dearly.
• Those that have been with me since before 2009! Family! Indo Crew! UWCCFers! AFMers! Brap.
• UWCCF Winter Retreat 2009. Life Changing!
• The opportunity to mentor four really great guys. WHAT UPPPPP!!!!!
• Witnessing each of those four guys stepping up their game and really making an impact/growing in each of their own ways. Good job, men. /end mushy Derek.
• errr Bomber... with the AFMS. Awesome times =).
• UWCCF Grad Dinner 2009. Sending you guys off was a bitter-sweet moment!
• The passing of my grandmom. My first funeral in life. Brought to mind a lot of the meaning of all things...
• All the wonderful times chilling with the housemates!!!!!! 109 HICKORY, WHATTTTTT!
• Campus Challenge 2009/Koin Network. The opportunity to partner together and meet with so many my fellow Brothers & Sisters who share in my passions across all the different Universities.
• I landed a full time job. A sign of how old I’m getting.
• The many times of uncertainty & trials. I've never developed so much trust & patience for these things as I did this year.
• My second full year with my car!!! And no serious issues!!!! WOOHOOo. perfect driving record still too =D.
• UWCCF Fall Retreat 2009. Let’s hear it for moments that open our eyes wide to the lives we’re living.
• My brothers & sisters that were awesome enough to humble me in times of pride. Thank you, really.
• Halifax w/ fam. Probably the most relaxing weekend of my life.
• ANCHOR SOFTBALL. Semi-finals in our FIRST year? Yeah, that’s right!
• FX 2009. Hurray for my very first official speaking engagement.
• Celebrating the wedding of someone who’s a very close brother & friend! Congrats Jesse & Juliana!
• TRANSFORMERS 2 COMES OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH I’ve watched it at least 8 times.
• A new mentor/guide to teach me about life. It’s been a while! haha.
• The opportunity to chair uwccf. WHAT a blessing. WORDUP PWNY/Zesty!!!!!
• QUELF. TOOOO many good times from this game.
• AYCE Sushi. Where would I be without you?
• AFM Gradball! Never felt like I deserved a celebration so much in my life. Lol.
• COMPLETED MY UNDERGRAD. Wow. Just... too many thoughts from this.
• TAFFY!!!! The greatest school project team ever! We kicked butt! =D. TEAM AWESOME FREEDOM FORCE YETIS ftw!
• All the new friends in 2009! =) too many to name!

And SOOOOO many more... oh man... I could continue that list forever. 2009. What a year.

In all honesty, 2009 was just a super awesome year. I’ve never experienced growth like I did, both in my faith as well as an individual like this past year. I’ve never experienced closeness to friends and family like I did either. I’ve also never ever in my life dished out as many lame jokes as I did in 2009 =D. WHAT A YEAR.

There’s really not much else i can say... so much of it is beyond words. I’m really looking forward to 2010 and what it holds. It’s also going to be another HUGE year of change. I’ll be finishing up my masters, writing the professional exam of my accounting career and finally entering the professional workforce. Who knows what else it holds...

I’m anxiously awaiting what God has in store for me and the growth & experiences I’ll have to share in the new year. I know it’s going to be absolutely killer. For anyone who was mentioned in any of my shout outs (or multiple ones... extra brownie points!!): Thank you so much for being a part of my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without you and am sincerely grateful for all the times we shared together. I’ll catch you all in 2010 and will be expecting bigger & better things!

Here’s to you, 2009! Now that you’re done, it’s time to wrap you up in a nice little package I’ll call 2009 Derek. It’s time for your joys, pains and many many life lessons to be passed onto someone greater. I’ll call him 2010 Derek. You should all be sure to meet 2010 Derek. I hear he’s awesome. Bake him cookies.

And that’s it. This will be the last post ever from 2009 Derek. From him to you all, farewell! Hope it’s been an equally amazing journey for the rest of you too =).

Cheers&Blessings!

((Insert happy collage/mural of 2009's greatest memories)).... I'll get to it eventually... maybe. lol.

Derek's Question of the day! - answer in comments!! – What is the life lesson that best describes the 2009 you?

A: There’s nothing more liberating than really being just who you are made to be. Living your passions, being quirky and showing no restraint for lame jokes and all. =)