2009 Traci Skene Highlights

This time last year, my anxiety level was at Def Con Charlie. I was still reeling from all the personal tragedy we had to deal with in 2008 plus I was frightened by what a President Obama and his Marxist friends might do to our country. I was Glenn Beck-ian in the tear department.

But, instead of weeping my way through a bad economy, I decided instead to take charge. Rather than sit back and wait for the worst, I forced myself to make good things happen. And good things happened indeed.

Here are some of my highlights-- large and small, personal and professional-- from 2009 and, yes, I blogged about them all as they happened.

1. 9/12 March on Washington : Sure we almost got killed by a Chinese bus driver, but gathering with our fellow "Tea Baggers" was a giant middle finger to the Janeane Garofalo's of the world.

2. Blogworld : The Beatles LOVE and drinking vodka with Vodka Pundit Stephen Green turned the three-day event from a networking businessy type thingy to a mini-vacation.

3. The Big Island : Speaking of vacations, yes we took one! Not a business vacation or a "vacation" with the family but a real live adult, almost like a honeymoon vacation. It still makes me smile.

4. Meeting Shecky Greene : As one of the co-founders of SHECKYmagazine.com it was imperative that we meet the man, the myth, the legend in the flesh. What a great night! This past October, I also got to hang out with two of my other comedy idols, Larry Miller and Gary Shandling. Very very cool!

5. Spring Training : I finally realized a life long dream of attending a spring training baseball game. But it's absolutely ridiculous that I waited so long to make it happen. In fact, since my real dream is to see the Phillies play in Clearwater, Florida, I'm determined to go in 2010. Phils/Yankees tickets go on sale January 14!

6. Lying About: Standup : We had the idea for a Recline-O-Cast for quite some time but didn't have the time or the mental energy to realize our vision until last year. Unfortunately, we quickly ran out of time so we didn't properly promote the three we shot, but checking something off your To-Do list is an accomplishment in itself.

7. Bought A Guitar : Actually, now we have three. I was determined at the ripe old age of 44 to learn something new. Then I decided to force my husband to learn something new with me. So far, I can only play one Lucinda Williams song without cursing between chord changes but considering I couldn't make any listenable sound a few weeks ago, I consider it progress. I can't wait to write my first Nancy Pelosi song.

8. Being A Good Daughter : We were able to arrange our schedule this year to visit my dad five times at his new house in Phoenix. I am seriously into the Sun City over-55 lifestyle.

9. Writing Political Humor : I did much more of it in 2009 than I had in the past. I think my favorite post was Top Ten Liberal Guys I'd Hate To Filibuster.

10. Ode To Joy : While losing my friend Joy to pancreatic cancer certainly wasn't a highlight, mourning a death does always help you appreciate life. Plus it brings out the best in some of the survivors.

Now, I'm going to put on comfy pants, crack open a bottle of wine and ring in the new year sitting on the couch with my hubby.

May you all have a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.