At the end of 2009, I posted a note on Facebook detailing my year. It was called “The best and worst of 2009″ because that year was a real low for me, but as it concluded I certainly saw my life only going forward and getting much, much better. Now, looking back at 2010, it was exactly as I expected.
The year started with many challenges at work as we faced our busiest time of year. There were many projects to juggle and I did not expect the whirlwind that came. I learned a lot about planning ahead and coordinating multiple timelines and teams of people to get things done. The mistakes I made were good for me, and now I definitely have the confidence and experience to do my job better. We already have plans for 2011 to include a lot of changes in the office and I can’t wait to see how that turns out.
As 2010 progessed I became increasingly involved in serving my immediate community through volunteer activities. After attending the Texas Rally for Life in January, I looked for practical ways to help out in the pro-life movement and briefly did some pro bono work for the Austin Coalition for Life. It was the start of a calling to be more of service in several areas; in the fall, I was asked to join the Catholic 20-Somethings leadership team as Service Chair. I coordinated volunteer events for the Micah 6 food pantry and Mary House. All these things were a wake up call for me; I had often focused on my own spiritual life and failed to look outward in finding ways to serve God. I truly believe the opportunity to serve as Service Chair was God’s calling for me to be a servant.
The summer was filled with many more outdoor activities than what I’m used to; I think living in Minnesota for almost three years forced me to better appreciate a beautiful day (especially in the warm Texas weather). I climbed Enchanted Rock twice, enjoyed the 20-Somethings crawfish boil, spent time in Zilker Park, and lounged by pools to get some much-needed sunshine. I am now very addicted to the sun.
Climbing Enchanted Rock was not easy. I think the second time, when I was with a few more athletic friends, was when I realized I need to make a lifestyle change when it came to my health. I admit, my brother’s upcoming wedding, in which I would be wearing a strapless bridesmaid dress, was a motivation as well. So in August, I began a faith-oriented approach to losing weight and ultimately lost 15 pounds. (Recently, over the holidays, I’ve gained a few pounds back. However a friend told me last night that weight loss is never a straight line, and so I plan to re-energize myself in the new year.) Many thanks to Take Back your Temple, which was a true inspiration and motivation for me.
The rest of the year was such a whirlwind, I feel I must conclude with bullet points.
- The annual 20-Somethings retreat, All of the Above, was an experience in leadership; as emcee of the event I was kept on my toes the entire time, but got so much positive energy out of being the one people could look to if they needed help.
- My best friend Jesse came to visit from Milwaukee. He and I enjoyed the Austin scene (in particular, we attended Batfest and enjoyed a few beers at Kung Fu Saloon, one of my recent favorite places on Sixth Street).
- Texas football started well enough, but I experienced a first. I went to a Longhorn game and the result was a loss. It was all downhill from there. However I have learned how to root for other Texas teams in the face of out-of-state adversity (except for Texas Tech, boo).
- The wedding was amazing. My brother married a gorgeous (inside and out) woman who is a fantastic addition to our family. It was the first wedding for my immediate family and I can’t wait for more to come.
Lavergne wedding
- I met my current boyfriend when I went out dancing with friends after the wedding. He is a true comfort in my aboslutely crazy life.
- I helped plan and host the annual 20-Somethings Christmas party at my parents’ house. While I spent most of the night directing people to the bathroom, everyone had a blast and I loved hearing all the positive feedback.
I could not have asked for anything better. As the year winds down, I am a little overwhelmed with the activities I’ve taken on. As my friend Ryan says, “Who put all this stuff on my calendar?” But, I look back at 2010 and I think it was the year I grew up. And as an adult, it’s this lifestyle–this constant movement and change and difference-making–that keep me happy. I would ask that 2011 be better, but I’m not sure that it’s possible.
