There have been definite “I-sure-wish-this-didn’t-happen” moments this year – I’m leaving those behind. That’s the nice part about the end of the year. You throw those things out – at least you do if you’re smart. I’m smart. (At least for things like that!)

There have also been definite “I-can’t-believe-life-is-so-great” sort of things.  In honor of 2009, here are 9 of them:

• I spent half my year in Vegas – went to some great concerts, some fantastic restaurants and had some wonderful times with my family. (Alisha and Santana? Absolutely fantastic.)
• I passed 2 bar exams. (Missouri – despite food poisoning and throwing up through the exam! and Kansas – despite dealing with some things I left in Vegas. All I can say is, thanks for the prayers both times. They helped.)
• I turned 24 and Reece & I celebrated by going to Trace Adkins in Kansas City. (We didn’t care about Toby Keith. Sue me.)
• I now get to speak Spanish with Logan, who made it home from his mission with his passport intact. (That was a little iffy for awhile. Thank goodness it all worked out.)
• I discovered I like to run and lost 30 lbs along the way. (I also like the stairmaster. And salsa dancing.)
• I started my own law firm. (Running my own business is so satisfying. Sometimes stressful. But way satisfying.)
• I moved to Missouri. (It might be the middle of nowhere, but it’s a happy middle of nowhere. Plus I live close to my family now. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.)
• I rediscovered a real appreciation for being born a Christensen. (Not only for the name, which matters a whole lot to me. But for the automatic love and support that goes along with that. My family rocks.)

Life is so good and I have a lot of things that I am grateful for this year. I listed 9 – I could list a lot more. But I’m going to dance tonight, so I’m stopping there. Happy New Year to all of you!

*To be fair, I only expect them to get better, so I’m not surprised this is the best so far.  Next year will outdo it.