2009 has definitely been a year of growth for me.  But it was growth without movement, if that makes any sense.  If not, too bad.  You’ll just have to wait until 2010 and the launch of my blog makeover to learn more about me there (muah-ha-ha).

Thanks to Gwen Bell and her Best of 2009, like 500 bloggers have been chronicling their last 11 months with 31 prompts, to be answered daily, or whatever.  I chose or whatever (what can I say? I’m a rule breaker–HAH), so I’m going to catch up on a few that I wanted to write on here:

December 1 Trip. What was your best trip in 2009?

That one’s easy.  My dad took all of us kids on a cruise to the Caribbean.  Lazy days, beaches, kayaking (for the first time) in Aruba and, above all, quality family time.  That last one is the thing we don’t get often, with my sister and I up here in Reno.  It was awesome and unforgettable.  Oh and did I mention my dad also took Brad?  I know right.  Proof that he’s already a member of my family (whether he likes it or not).

December 4 Book. What book – fiction or non – touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?

For me, this year, it a tie between A Little Princess and The Secret Garden.  I loved the movies as a kid and read both books this year.  I have never before been able to jump right back into my childhood like those books were able to take me.  The innocence in those books is comforting and missing from our world.

December 6 Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?

Well, the conference I attended in September was not only the only conference I attended this year, it was the only conference I have ever attended.  That said, it was incredible.  It was the American Advertising Federation’s Western Regional Conference.  The workshops themselves were nothing far above average (hey, if I’m being honest), but the inspiration I got there was just unmatched.  If you ever hear me speak passionately about the work I do through Ad2 Reno, this conference is why.  It was a breath of fresh air.  A reminder of why I do what I do for a living and of why Ad2 exists.