Part 2 of my reflection on 2011 (read part 1 here). It was an extremely important year for me, and I’m happy to be able to share some of the lessons I learned and opportunities I had.

August 2011

I started the contract gig and realized I want to be doing social and digital strategy at a marketing agency. It was a big deal and boosted my confidence a lot, which was important because I had a big interview at Studiocom for a permanent position. I felt great about the interview, and also felt that this was the best fit I’d found so far. They felt the same and offered me the job. And because I had taken the freelance position, I was in a good place to negotiate my salary and benefits, since I wasn’t without a job and desperate. It all worked out so well, and I started the job a week after accepting.

October 2011

My job at Studiocom was great – I traveled to Boston to work, I met great people, and I loved the work I was doing. I felt that all the challenges of the year as far as career and work had happened for the right reasons and I was where I belonged.

I was also continuously grateful for my new friends who had all managed to stay very close despite not working together anymore. It was wonderful to have their love and support through the good and bad times.

Later in the month we found out for certain that my uncle did not have long to live. His treatments for his stage 4 lung cancer had not given him the additional time they initially thought it would. It was a hard time for my family and so I decided to take a few days to travel up to Ohio. I’m very glad I was able to spend the time with him, and have us all together.

November 2011

By my birthday, I had lost 42 pounds. It was an amazing feeling to be able to wear a fabulous dress to my party and celebrate turning another year older and, truly, wiser. My awesome friends helped make the event extra special. 🙂

December 2011

My uncle passed away on December 6. I was in Boston for work, and it was very difficult to not be with my family. Christmas was hard – I went home to Ohio and it was the first Christmas dinner without him. I had never been very close to him, but my heart was aching for those who were – my mom, stepdad, aunt, and grandma. Losing someone around the holidays is so hard. 🙁

Before I went home for Christmas, I was able to experience a great holiday season in Atlanta with my closest friends. From the Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes to improv comedy at Dad’s Garage to ice skating at Piedmont Park to company and holiday parties, I was able to spend time making fun memories with my family of friends.

Let’s Close on 2011

It’s on that note that I’ll wrap up 2011. There were rough spots, but through it all there was good. Lots and lots of good.

I learned many things – about people, about relationships, about the value of family and friends – but mostly, I learned about myself. I was given the extraordinary opportunity, through several key events, to figure out what I want for my life and career, and to put it into action.

Because of 2011, I look forward to 2012!