2011: Turn the Page. Start Smiling.

I could write for days recounting the fabulous weather conditions I've encountered on the roads recently. Or I could ramble on about the Bar Mitts and fenders I received, two glorious upgrades to my bicycle that have proved invaluable to comfortable commuting in late fall and winter. But that is neither relevant or interesting—instead, I want to mark the changing of seasons, the passing of another year.

This year I rediscovered ridiculous happiness; advanced my professional pursuits; ran another half marathon and completed a metric century ride; stayed true to myself in relationships; logged countless miles on the bicycle within a 6-mile-or-so radius; started trail running and consequently resigned myself from racing; loved, lost and left; moved to a new-to-me neighborhood; polished not only my professional outlook but my personal goals, style and shoe selection (heels?! leggings and dresses? Whoda thunk...); went to a funeral, a wedding and then some; spent copious amounts of time kicked back either on the porch or in my yard gazing at the sky. Cried 1,000-plus tears, drank at least half as many beers and consumed more oatmeal than I'd care to recount here.

Among the exciting advancements and interesting friendships and experiences that have filtered through the past 12 months, I ended up with a warm, strong sense of community here in Chattanooga. On bicycle, on foot and at the office, I'm surrounded by truly loving individuals who continue to show me new and wonderful things about myself, themselves and the area.

While traveling did not influence much of 2010, it's on the horizon—2011, West Coast wanderings; 2012, Argentine adventures. When asked the destination I would like to hit next, my response—one which I have not yet visited. So bring on the champagne! The dancing, high spirits and loud music. Next year can only outshine 2010.