adios, 2009

What a year for a new year. 2009 was interesting, but I am excited about the new decade's potential. I would like everyone's economic fortunes to improve, though I realize that things were too heady in the last few decades, and that's how we got where we are today.

As we bring it down on 2009, here are some milestones I'll remember from the year that was.

This was my first full calendar year in St. Louis. I finally feel like a resident, and have learned my way around despite not owning a car. Now that Highway 40 is open, I'm learning all over again. I moved two blocks further into the Tiffany neighborhood, and finally understood what all the fuss is about, crime-wise. There are gunshots every other week, so cleaning up the violence would be a prudent 2010 goal. Other than that, it's a total hidden gem in the city, just begging to be gentrified.

Dead celebrities. Every year, a certain number of them take their final bows, but damn. And it's never the ones you expect, like Amy Winehouse or Britney Spears. We lost dozens of famous people this time out, and 2009 will be remembered for the sheer volume of expired fame. Michael Jackson will get more than his share of attention, but it's probably Bea Arthur that I'll miss most.

This was the year I finally discovered a taste for coffee, after years of trying and failing to enjoy it. It started with the new man in my life (a definite high point of the year -- love you, Scott!) introducing me to iced peppermint mocha at Starbucks. Then I started making it for myself at work, with extra squirts of pumpkin spice syrup. Now I make it at home most mornings, and have actually dedicated the coffeemaker to its intended use after years of service heating water for hot chocolate.

Facebook really owned the Internet in 2009. I spent my few months of unemployment among the denziens of Farmville, and once again abandoned something trendy right before it exploded in popularity. I continued to be unsure about my Twitter feelings, and am debating coming up with a new handle. And I finally abandoned MySpace this year, whose demise I'd like credit for predicting years ago when I signed up.

This was the year I got back into music. I flow organically in and out of the pop music scene, and this was assuredly an in year. From Beyonce to Lady Gaga, Owl City to (sigh) Miley Cyrus, I embraced it all...except for Rodrigo y Gabriela. Still hate you guys, and Music Choice for constantly trying to foist you upon me.

Finally, this was the year I enjoyed movies again. I saw more first-run films in theaters than in the previous several years combined. I'm not huge on action flicks, and I only like the "Final Destination" franchise for the comedy. But there was a lot to like late in the year. The two that I expect to stick with me are both Oscar contenders. "Precious" and "Up in the Air" are achievements in storytelling, unchallenged. It'll be weird to actually have an investment in movie awards for a change.

What are your 2009 highlights (or lowlights)? I'm curious about 2010...who knows what the future holds. This will be my first new decade as an independent adult. Bring it...maybe this is the year I get health insurance.