The material highlight of my 2009 was the long-awaited arrival of my Mini - it is often referred to as my baby, tamatem, zatoona, or the coolest damn car you'll ever come across. I think I spent the better part of this year just talking about it. Of course, with the car came the tales of my speeding tickets, parking tickets, the one time I was summoned to a police station and how can we forget the infamous rear-ending a cop car incident?
Academically and career-wise, it was a pretty stellar year. I got to travel to Germany, Poland and Taiwan for an international law competition which most of you probably heard endless stories about. It was a truly defining experience because that was the main reason I decided to pursue law even further. That meant I spent the better half of my year studying for LSATs - my own little nightmare. I also had to explain to my parents that I don't intend on getting a job unless it's the one I want nor getting married - which, with my turning 21, automatically became a topic of dinner-table conversation. So overall, definite career milestones and I'm sort of excited as to where they will take me in 2010.
I also interned with the United Nations which actually sounds a lot more exciting than it was. The greatest part of it was having an all access pass to all those rooms you tourists aren't allowed to take pictures in. I was there when Ahmedinijad insulted Israel at the opening of the human rights conference, I was there when Ban Ki Moon dropped in and when Gorbachev came. It was epic. Every morning, I'd park my car in the diplomat parking, check the main entrance of the E-Building (where everything happens) for a red carpet (an indication that I should go on a hunt for the persona of the day), check the conference board for anything cool I'd want to attend like the International Law Commission's Annual Meeting and then make my way to the infamous 'Bar Serpent' where my coffee would be waiting. The actual substantive work in the internship was disappointing, but the friends I made and the experiences I gained are truly irreplaceable. I also received a cool little certificate.
Friendship and relationship wise, as you all know, I meet more people than I can keep track of most of the time. But what was cool about 2009 is that I got to go home and see some of the people who matter the most. I spent a great time catching up with my best friend and all my really good friends which is something I really needed. The hustle and bustle of everyday life sometimes makes it easy to overcome the distance, but once I was home, I realized how much I needed the time with my family and the face-to-face contact with all my friends. So definitely a big plus!
Overall, I had a great 2009 ...with all the ups, there were downs, but I was very blessed and I guess I could take this chance to thank all of you for being a big part of my really cool year!
For 2010 - the prospects? Well my 2010 has gotten off to a fantastic start. I got to travel which you all know is my favorite thing to do in the world! I went to the US of A with Nancy for a couple of weeks where I did distinctly american things like watch an NBA game, a football game (Green Bay Packers and the Sun devils I think), ate Steak, went to a Honky Tonk, and played Apples to Apples. More traveling plans are in the works so I'm pretty psyched. Also 2010 will be another defining career year because I should be hearing back from law schools in about a month so I'm going to find out if I will ever be rich or not. On the friendship/relationship front, I am inviting all of you to try to make my year. So either come see me, or marry me. I have no particular preference.
If I haven't wished you already, I hope you have a fantastic 2010 and I hope you have the privilege of seeing me!
B.
