I used to think 2007 was the most pivotal year of my life. In that year I graduated from high school, traveled to Europe, spent six weeks in Japan, and then moved to Washington, D.C. for college. Quite the radical change from the tiny little town of Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Then, of course, 2009 rolled around and I spent my first summer in D.C., started tweeting, then studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark for four months. I came back with a completely different perspective on the world. Then finally we made it to 2010.

I didn’t expect it this time last year, but 2010 ended up being possibly one of the most important years of my life. My perspectives on work, school, friendships and relationships all changed. I moved into a new apartment with a new roommate—my best friend—and got a cat. I started networking in D.C. and built an incredible network of friends that have absolutely changed my life in amazing, amazing ways.

So now, picking out a “most pivotal year” seems just silly. Every year of my life has been pivotal, especially the last few. I’m confident 2011 will be no different. I’m already kicking off this year with a trip to Las Vegas for the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. In January and February I’ll be giving workshops, guest lecturing in classes at my school, and even presenting at several exciting events. I’m starting my own independent consulting work, and in May, I’ll graduate with my B.S.B.A. in Marketing and B.A. in Public Communication from American University. Then, of course, off to the “real world”, and who knows what incredible experiences I’ll encounter there.

I’m starting 2011 with great friends, an exciting professional future, a fantastic city, incredible opportunities ahead, and God-only-knows what surprises. I’m excited.

Could he save 2010 for the Democrats? Two things that have happened in the past 24 hours suggest, to me, that he may be figuring out the strategies it takes to salvage these midterms. Simply put, he’s figuring out the winning issues (hint: health care is not one of them).

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” has been a divisive issue for a long time. For years, it was accepted by the majority, while it infuriated gays and allies behind the scenes. Upon Obama’s election, he pledged to repeal the policy, but last year saw little action on that front. This week we’ve seen the action liberals have been waiting for and it’s making the GOP look petty, homophobic and, especially in the case of Senator John McCain, lacking convictions on the issue. Three things that make this one a winner for Obama and the democrats:

1. Public opinion has shifted and a majority now favor repealing the policy
2. Top defense officials support an end to the policy
3. Republicans can’t make up their mind–John McCain, in particular, flip-flopping on the issue since October 2006

Keep pushing this until it happens, Obama. This shifts focus away from the economy a bit, gives you a lot of support from your liberal base (which you desperately need if you want to mobilize voters come November), and will make for plenty of heart-warming stories about gays being able to be “themselves” when the policy is finally ended.

AIG Bonuses

Now this could really go either way, but with Obama holding the momentum and public approval on the rise since the State of the Union, I’m feeling confident this will, ultimately, work in democrats favor.

As most of us know, AIG is readying another $100 million round of bonuses for its executives. Naturally, this infuriates about 99% of all Americans. Here’s the deal, three things to remember for this one:

1. Obama didn’t start the bank bailouts, Bush did, way back in 2008
2. Everyone hates AIG, and democrats have been doing a better job showing outrage over this issue than Republicans have–Republicans have to worry about losing wealthy, corporate donors and voters for November
3. This adds support for Obama’s proposed financial regulations–regulations Republicans have been pretty adamantly opposed to thus far

Keep up Obama. If you can show that this is your issue and that you’re willing to tackle it head on–as opposed to the Republican skirting around the issue–you can make this a real winner and start pulling around your approval rating on economic issues.

Behind the Scenes: Demonizing Las Vegas

Now this is pure conjecture on my part, but I’ve got a feeling Obama’s recent flap on Las Vegas, and subsequent apology in response to Senator Harry Reid’s outrage, are very planned events

First of all, this isn’t the first time this has happened. Now I’m not about to suggest Obama is above making the same mistake twice, but this is a tense political climate and he knows his good friend Harry Reid is up for re-election. Now what could possibly help Senator Reid at this juncture in the race…?

How about a show of strength? A little bravado from our fearless Senate Majority Leader? Well that’s what he got. Obama’s comment on Las Vegas gave Senator Reid an excellent opportunity to complain–loudly–and Obama immediately issued a formal apology for the comment.

Not only does this help Senator Reid immensely–now he can say he fights hard for his state’s largest city, and he’s willing to stand up to President Obama, and he understands the pain Nevadans are feeling and wants to help fix it–but it’s an event that, outside of Nevada, will only last in this news cycle for about two hours. The majority of Americans will ignore the story altogether, and even less will care. Nevadans are the only ones who will hear it, the only ones who will care, and Reid’s approval rating will go up. This might not help Obama’s approval in the state, but really, who cares? Politics is a short-term game, and Obama’s got almost three years before Nevada voters go back to the polls for him. There’s time.

Goodbye and Growing Up – “The Learning Decade”

First, goodbye 2009, and goodbye to the “oughts” (or the “naughties” as I prefer to call them). I’ll be perfectly honest, it’s been a fantastic decade for me personally. Not only did I, well, grow up (going from age 10 to 20 is pretty significant, ya know) but I’ve learned to play instruments, learned to drive, graduated high school, moved to the nation’s capital, traveled the world, voted in the election and witnessed the inauguration of America’s first black president and worked my first real jobs and internships. I’ve had my first girlfriend, my first serious relationship, gained and lost numerous best friends and met people from all around the globe. All in all, I have very few complaints.

It’s a shame, though, the decade was so brutally painful for so many others. Time magazine kicked off the decade-bashing with their cover “The Decade from Hell” and plenty have picked up on that theme since. From things that sucked in the media to the decade in a tweet, few have left the decade, and 2009 especially, unscathed. It’s hard to argue with them.

I was oblivious to many of the world’s happenings until about 2005, when I was introduced to Mr. Thomas Moudry, my high school AP English teacher. He showed me that the world was a bigger place than just the little bubble that is Leitchfield, KY and that I should be aware of what all is out there. He introduced me to politics–sparking my passion for them–and solidified my interest in literature, news, technology and the creative process (despite my obvious lack of skills in creative writing). And for that, I’m forever indebted to him and I cannot thank him enough.

But now that I am aware, and now that I’m a real live adult (!), I recognize the rough time the world’s had these past ten years. There have been plenty of ups–the election of Barack Obama, for me especially–but almost all the positives of the decade seem overshadowed by 9/11 and terrorism, George W. Bush and corrupt politicians, Wall Street greed and auto bailouts.

The past ten years have been my “learning decade”. Let’s all look at it that way. The oughts shouldn’t be looked at as the “decade from hell” because, truth be told, there’s not a damn thing we can do about it now. Instead of looking back and bemoaning the problems and wallowing in self-pity for all our failures and screw-ups, let’s look at the decade as a learning experience. I shouldn’t be the only one who learned a lot in the last decade. I think we’ve all grown up, in a way, thanks to the trials and tribulations of 2000-2009. So let’s use that to make the next decade better.

Into Twenty-Ten, Expectations and Resolutions

It’s hard for me to make resolutions, because I usually forget about them pretty quickly–as do most people, I imagine. But I read something the other day on Twitter that really stuck with me (I don’t remember who tweeted it, if it was you let me know!): focus on the resolution as a process, not as an end-goal. I like that.

I feel like if you set strict goals for yourself starting out, you only set yourself up for failure. Setting a goal like “read 20 books this year” or “lose 30 pounds” won’t always be achievable, and will rarely stick. So this year I’ve decided to make my goals more process-based. I want to change the way I live, my habits and my routine. Expectation-wise, I expect it to be a good year (maybe this is just because I’m a constant optimist) and I expect to achieve a lot. By working hard with my resolutions, I’m hoping this’ll be a reality. And using tools like 43things, dailymile, and twitter (and my excellent twitter friends!) as motivation, this should be easier than ever. Never forget there’s an endless amount of tools at your disposable to improve your own self and life–take advantage of these!

Finally, here’s a quick list of some of my New Year’s resolutions. I say some because I hope to add new resolutions all the time. A resolution doesn’t have to come around only once a year, you can add them anytime, even in July. Here’s what I’m starting with:

1. Read for pleasure. I want to start reading books I want to read, not just textbooks. There’s endless things to learn out there and much of it can be fun. I’ve already started a book list and I’m hoping to work my way through it as the year goes on. I can’t wait.
2. Exercise every day. This past summer I worked out a lot, usually multiple times a day, and it felt great. I felt more refreshed, energized and motivated than ever before. While abroad my exercise routine largely got pushed to the side–I was busy, I was biking every day, I wasn’t feeling motivated in the dreary Copenhagen weather. Now that I’m back in D.C., I’m looking forward to starting a new routine. This includes waking up at 7:30am every day for a run, and doing a quick afternoon workout every day before dinner. Keep me on my toes, fearless readers!
3. Write every day. While I won’t guarantee a blog entry every day, I want to ensure I stay writing. Whether it’s schoolwork, a blog entry, personal writing, letters or even just some extra Twitter activity, I want to be sure I’m putting my thoughts on paper. It’s easy, healthy and intellectually stimulating. Gotta keep it up.
4. Network–in person and online. I’m building a network. A network of friends, family, fellow students and professionals. It’s wonderful. I want to keep that up in the new year, and I want to expand my networking more in person, not just online. So for all of you on my “peopleIwouldlovetomeet” twitter list, let’s meet for coffee or drinks. I can’t wait to meet you IRL!
5. Be more independent. While I have no illusions of becoming financially independent this year (thanks Dad), I’d like to become more independent, in general. In past years I’ve still found myself very dependent on some of my close friends, girlfriend, whatever. I’d like to be able to do my own thing this year–whether it’s going places, participating in new activities, volunteering or even the way I dress. Here goes nothing.
6. Volunteer! In Copenhagen I jumped right into the environmental movement volunteering, and I had an absolute blast. It felt like I was making a difference, and for a cause I’m truly passionate about. This year, I want to keep up my activity with the environmental movement and I’d also like to take up a role in a local D.C. nonprofit (I’m thinking maybe Miriam’s Kitchen).
7. Stress less. An omnipresent goal, I really mean it this time. I did a decent job last year with keeping my stress level down, and I’m hoping I can relax even more this year (while still achieving and succeeding with work and school!).

In Conclusion…

I’m excited for 2010 (twenty-ten!). Who’s with me?