A new year, and a new decade, has begun. I’ve been thinking alot about this past year, and when I read Wade Kwon’s reflections on what shaped his 2009, I had to nod. For Wade, it boiled down to three things. Twitter, work, and relationships. For me, it was much the same, although not necessarily in that order.

Relationships. 2009 brought a new focus to family.  The year started with Chip’s terrifying head injury, and ended with a health wake-up call for Larry and his subsequent surgery. These experiences have made me stronger, as an individual, as a wife and mother, and as a Christian. At the same time, they have made me softer and I am more relaxed. I am less worried about what I hope for for my children, and what I want from Larry. I am more grounded in just enjoying the relationships and being grateful for our time together.

That renewed focus on family just naturally flowed into my other relationships. Belinda and I have settled into the relationship I think we both longed for for years – sharing joys, laughs, fears, concerns, and just plain simple time. Simple being the operative word.

There were two visits from Wayne, the surprise visit on my birthday for dinner and slots is one that left me feeling very special.

Debbie and I have grown closer, sharing family concerns, and learning with and from each other. I’ve had a better chance to get to know her husband, Doug. And, in turn, I’ve watched them get to know their nephews.

Mom’s health has stablized, and the time I have spent with her has been less centered around medical appointments and errands, and more on visiting and sharing that all important time.

These times with family are never enough, but that just makes them all the more precious. I am grateful that I have been able to just relax and be.

Work. Always a big part of my life, and no different in 2009. I have grown as a Project Manager, and this contract with the Forest Service has been challenging and rewarding. I have finally found that elusive balance between life and work. I have been lucky to find a mentor and friend in my manager, Betka. She is a extraordinary project manager, and a caring friend. Similarly, I’ve forged partner in crime relationships with Fran & Jackie that make getting through the day a simple joy.

My venture into Stampin’ Up! has been faltering. It may have to go, and I am ok with that. I have learned much – both about my art, and about starting a business. I believe it has fallen victim to the constraints of time and the lack of follow through. I will have to do some very quick soul searching and make a decision whether to let go or recommit. Whatever happens, again, I’ve made lasting friendships with talented, sharp, and caring women.

Twitter. Now that sounds really funny. Both funny-haha and funny-bizzarre. And, it’s not really Twitter, but that all around “social media” I’ve been expounding on all year.

My blogging has allowed me to express myself personally, and I’ve learned to apply the process and technology to promoting a business.

Like my real-life socializing, I bounce in and out of Twitter inconsistently, at will, and as time allows. It is, as many describe, the ultimate virtual cocktail party, abuzz with conversations, chitchat, and tidbits of information, trivia, and the absurd. I’ve made both business contacts and friends with people with similar interests, I’ve followed news items as they happened, and I’ve gotten feedback and answers when I needed quick advice or information.

For me, it’s been Facebook. And, I’m never far from it. It started out as a way to stay in touch and share thoughts, info, links, and pics with my fellow Crones in a single place. But it has grown to so much more. I’ve reconnected with far-flung family, with old school friends, former colleagues, and people I’d lost touch with over time and space. Like Twitter, I’ve made new friends, and found an endless well of rich resources. I “chat” with my favorite NASCAR drivers and pretend we’re old friends. It’s ok. You can laugh.

And, yes, dammit, I play Farmville. And Fishville. And Rollercoaster Kingdom. I can thank Teresa’s cousin’s wife, Candice, for that. (Do you see how convoluted this social networking can get?) We met once, in real life, at a family dinner when Teresa was here on vacation. Talk began about computers and went to blogging and Facebook, and Candice asked me if I’d accept a neghbor request so she could level up. Sure. Why not?

It started with a vegetable plot, and I sent and accepted a gift. I didn’t jump right in. Then one night I needed a mindless diversion. I discovered how many of my “friends” were already playing, so I added neighbors and more plots. I had no idea how competitive I was until I wanted to get up to the levels my neighbors were at. One thing led to another, and I began to add friends of neighbors to level up even more.

Now. You have to first add them as Facebook Friends, then as neighbors. Now their updates are on your wall. All of the sudden you are forging realtionships – laughing, venting, crying, and praying together through the everyday joys, trials, and tribulations.

Because I work from home, these social media outlets are important. They keep me connected to the world.  And because there are real people behind those connections, they, in turn, remind me to step away from the computer, step out of the house, and stay involved in the world around me. I am more than a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, online buddy, and professional – I am human.

So. Yes. Work and Twitter have helped to shape my 2009. But if you look deeper, it is all about relationships. I don’t expect that to change with 2010.