Welcome 2010! And Some 2009 Reflections

First, an appropriate song to celebrate 2010, in honor of times that aren't the best, but certainly with the need for some good:




Happy New Year! 2010 has finally arrived after a much needed transition to a new year from 2009. Whether you went out last night, went to a movie, stayed home and chilled, or were out of town enjoying the revelry at some other location, I think it is safe to say that most people are glad that 2009 is no longer here. I was thrilled to get out and do something last night, because it is always good to try and start the year on a good note. The Mayor’s Ball was fun, downtown Youngstown was actually the cool place to be, and First Night had a good showing.

I often have said 2009 was a bad year, and it certainly had those moments. But looking back upon the entire year, it seemed to be a year of transition. It was a year full of change, uncertainty, fear, and quiet optimism. It was also full of political and social turmoil, and 2010 does not seem to be relieving us of either of those situations anytime soon. Case in point being there are midterm elections coming up, so be ready.

Briefly I am going to cover some of the finer and worse points of my own year, just to put some closure on things. Actually this is an exercise that would benefit a lot of people just to put things in perspective for themselves and their own lives. Part of this is taking a break from studying and waiting for the Rose Bowl, but I promise there will be better commentary on things next week.

2009 Highlights
-Graduated with a Masters from Ohio State, and met a lot of amazing people.
-Bought a duplex in Canfield, of which I am a half owner
-Did accounting work for a franchisee of Taco Bell, and worked in Oklahoma for two weeks
-Ran for political office and lost, but beat an incumbent
-Lived in Columbus for awhile and had a blast, and looking forward to going back eventually
-Work for a Congressional campaign in the 6th District

2009 Write-offs
-Lost a grandmother and two aunts this year.
-My friendship with my uncle of the last 24 years is now over. Only hate remains. Probably the worst part of 2009 for me.
-School is finished, barring an application for a Ph.D. As Lewis Black said at the end of the movie Accepted, “And do me a favor, enjoy your time here. You got four years, these are the best years of your life, and then…you’re ******!”. Maybe truer words have not been spoken.
-Unsteady work means uncertainty, and that means a lot of worrying. 2009 was a year for worrying.

So that is the list of good and bad this year. As with all New Year celebrations, there is the issue of resolutions. As such, I only have two of them:

-Be a happier and confident person
-Pass the CPA Exam

That’s it. Happy New Year everyone and pray for an Ohio State victory today. Go Bucks!

The Mang
Conservative Capo of Youngstown