2011 has been A Year. With every con came a pro; with every bit of sorrow came excitement. (I know it’s usually the other way around – with the good comes the bad – but I prefer looking at it the other way.)

My mom was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. It was the scariest, most painful thing I’ve ever gone through. Seeing my mom so vulnerable, it was horrible. But then came the good news – with surgery it could be removed. And then with a test, we could find out if there’s any chance of it coming back. There isn’t. She’s fine. She can start 2012 with a medically clean slate.

On the pro side, I received my master’s degree in library sciences, and realized how perfect I am for the profession. I’ve never been so involved and absorbed in my studies. I knew I was finally in the right field.

I lost my editing job at the magazine (due to a company-wide furlough), but within two weeks secured my first librarian position. As cheesy as it sounds, I feel like it all happened for a reason. I love my job, and although I know it’s only temporary (it goes through February – eek!), I still feel ridiculously connected to my co-workers, to the library, to the position.

I fulfilled my #1 resolution that I kept putting off ever year – I wrote my first book. It may never see the light of day, aside from my friends reading it, but the fact that it’s complete makes me proud. Of course, I’ll do everything in my power to get it published, but that’s for next year, right? (It’s still being edited!)

Most importantly – I got married! I’m now a Mrs. and despite all fears, it’s really quite lovely. Our wedding was amazing and truly one of those moments I’ll always remember. We went to Italy and Greece and started our resolution to see the world. S and I are ringing in the New Year tonight with friends, and we couldn’t be more excited – or happy.

There’s more, of course, but when looking back on this year, those are the stories that will stand out, the ones that’ll forever represent 2011. I’m not sure anything can compare with getting married, but I do look forward to the next year, and all it will bring. It’s time to start from scratch and try something new. I know the bad will come, but I also know the good will be right behind it, waiting to shine.