Photo by hans.gerwitz

ReinventingErica.com – my 90 Day Project failed once again this year.  And when I say “failed” I really mean I abandoned it halfway through.  But I don’t think it’s too late to try again – and if my Team will have me – I intend to restart this project again on January 8th (which also happens to be my 31st Birthday).

I truly believe that we learn more from Failure than from Success.  And I’m happy to dust myself off and start all over again and again and again.  However long it takes for me to get it right.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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Again – an easy one.  The trailer for the Kirtsy Book by my friend Katherine Center.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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Photo by .imelda

Why – Jenny Of Course!

Actually I think this was a setup since the day for posting The Best Laugh of 2009 – also happens to be Jenny’s Birthday.  Total Conspiracy.

P.S. That’s a Photo from the time Jenny & I built a Half-Pipe.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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There is a store in San Marcos, TX called Paper Bear which sells the most fantastic things.  It’s the kind of store where I buy stuff that I definitely don’t need.  Especially Paper Goods.  I’ve bought thousands of dollars worth of paper goods from this store over the years.  I have huge plastic blue tubs filled with paper, envelopes, stationary sets, rubber stamps, wax seals, and scrapbooking supplies.

I think picking my favorite would be almost impossible.  I love them all

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Photo by Torley

Meeting You.  Yes, YOU.  If we met this year – that was the best moment of my life.  If we didn’t meet this year – I hope we’ll meet next year.  I adore you.  I think you’re the greatest.  Consider this a love letter from me to you

If Time Magazine can pick YOU as the Person of the Year.  Then I can pick YOU as my Best Social Web Moment.

With Love,

-E

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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I really like myself.  Just the way I am.  I know that sounds like a cheesy line from a Bridget Jones movie – but it’s true.  I’m not perfect.  And I probably never will be.  But I love who I am.  I love waking up in my own skin every day.  For the first time in my life – I feel good enough.

I don’t know if it’s age that brings wisdom – or if certain situations in life help us to grow.  All I know is that I’ve never been happier than I am right now.  How’s that for an “Aha” moment?

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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Photo by Martin Burns

Freedom. The best gift I gave myself this year was Freedom.

The Freedom to say NO.  The Freedom to choose.  The Freedom to Be Myself.  The Freedom to give up everything in the pursuit of my dreams.  The Freedom to be Happy.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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Standing in line for my flight to Buffalo on Christmas Eve, I discovered that recent events have transformed me into a very different person.  The kind of person who doesn’t sweat the small stuff.  And who has finally learned that We SEE What We LOOK For.

I was literally standing in a line of 600+ people – all waiting outside the airport – just to get inside and check our bags.  Most of us – weren’t going to make our flights.  It was cold and windy – and slightly overcast.  I was worried it might rain.  The people around me were tired, annoyed, and bordering on impatience.  I was carrying my backpack and my back ached from the weight.

The old me would have been full of rage and annoyance – filled with an over inflated sense of self-importance.  I would have complained – probably loudly – to anyone who would listen.  But instead – I decided to look at all the things that were going right.

My friend Sarah had taken me to the airport earlier than normal because it was the only time she could fit it in that morning.  So for once, I’d arrived nearly 3 hours early for my flight.  So I had time to stand in line and wait.  The Subway Restaurant inside the airport had taken it upon themselves to provide free freshly baked cookies, hot coffee, and chips for everyone in line.  It was overcast – but it wasn’t raining.  It was cold and windy – but I had worn my silk underwear and a heavy coat (because I was headed to Buffalo), so I was warm.  I stood there thinking of all of the things that had gone right that morning.  And instead of a miserable experience – I ended up making friends with several of the people in line.  And looking back on it now – it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.

It’s not that I’m Pollyanna about everything in life.  I still have days filled with aggravation and I still lose my temper.  But I’ve learned that as my friend Katherine says – There is almost always A Bright Side to Disaster.

And did I mention I met a new friend who I can already tell will be my friend for years to come – here’s a snippet of the email he sent me:

Erica,

It was pleasure meeting you the other day at the airport.  Did you make it to Buffalo unscathed?  They ended up cancelling my flight and couldn’t rebook until today so I decided to stay in Houston and use the tickets for a future vacation (maybe we can hit a bed in breakfast in the northeast together).

Anyways I hope you a had a Merry Christmas!

Rob

P.S.  I made my flight with time to spare.

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I might be biased – but I love the new NutshellMail.  If you haven’t checked it out yet – I encourage you to do so.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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Spotify.  Music.  Awesome.  Incredible.  No Words.  SPOTIFY.

NOTE: This post is part of the #best09 series – to learn more or participate in the challenge visit http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html?

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