This post will likely be the last of 2008, so I shall make it my “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Me and Mine” post.  My aunts send out annual summary Christmas letters, so I think I’m going to make this an annual summary blog post.

Professionally, 2008 brought with it a wonderful plate of goodies.  I began my job with McGuire Woods LLP in March, and I’ve loved it there every since.  I got to attend the ASP Insiders Summit At Microsoft in Redmond this past July, where I learned so much and met some amazing people both within the Microsoft teams and within the ASP.NET community.  The Richmond Code Camp was another wonderful opportunity for learning and networking.  I wrapped up the year with the Kansas City Day of Dot Net, where again, I learned a lot and got an opportunity to interface with many people in the community.  My learning was definitely not only professional in nature, and I can even find gratitude in that as well!

In the realm of professional and educational development, I had the opportunity to learn more about Agile, SCRUM, Entity Framework, MVC and SEO this year.  My brain might feel like mush, but I’m starting to get it.  I’m almost finished with my first degree at DeVry and will soon be on my way to a Masters degree in Technology Management.  That is huge!  I thought I’d be the only person I know who took 10 years to finish an undergrad degree!

Personally, it was a huge year for growth.  I must have read 10 books on Zen Buddhism this year in addition to my normal taste for spiritual and philosophical books.  I worked a lot on my own inner demons – cleaning out psychic garbage, transitioning unhealthy relationships.  I worked with a therapist again for the first time in years and that has been a true blessing.  My oldest child turned 18 and is out there “on his own” figuring out that no job and no education might not be the best plan.  I learned that tough love *is* hard, but I get to hug my son regularly and for that I’m grateful.  My other two children began middle and high school this year and it’s been amazing to watch their growth in just the few months since school began!

This year also brought me Twitter.  Where would a post of mine be without mentioning Twitter?  I have to say that 50% of my opportunities for networking and learning have come from Twitter this year.  I’ve interfaced with people I would have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise.  I’ve learned tons from each of those interactions – even those I regret!  I experienced customer service beyond my wildest expectations, discovered resources, networked and discussed ideas with peers and have just been blessed like a kid in a candy store with people who educate, enlighten and entertain me an an HOURLY basis.  How cool is that?!

I’m so grateful for everybody who has touched my life this year in every single way.  You all so totally know who you are!  I look forward to the learning, growth, joy and love that 2009 brings.

I wish each and every one of you out there a healthy happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year!

Love,

Dana

(and Woodstock)