Somebody I know suggested that I write about how crummy a year 2009 was. To my surprise my automatic reaction was, "Not for me. I had a great year."

I felt kind of bad at first, considering it's been a difficult 12 months for a lot of people, devastating for some, and all around hard for many more.

I thought about it a little bit more and really considered my perspective on 2009. In the light of a national economic crisis and other people's tragedies, could I really be so callous as to laud my good fortune? But, the truth of the matter is that I really did have a great year.

Shopping in Kapolei improved exponentially. I consider that a personal boon. Costco and Target opened in the spring, followed by Ross and Price Busters in the summer.

Traffic got better in our Second City as well. New roads opened and continue to expand. I enter and exit H-1 from the North/South road as often as possible.

Taking a leave from my job at Wai'anae High School after 18 years was huge. While necessary in terms of our family logistics, I was still sad to leave and curious how I would feel not working. Bottom line: I LOVE it.

Not only am I able to do the things for my children and husband and dog that keep our family happy and humming, I've also had the chance to say yes to many new opportunities.

I've spent more time helping at my own kids' school. I've volunteered in ways that I never had time for before.

And I have time to enjoy my family as we grow and blend together. My children and husband bring me great joy.

It was not a perfect year. There has been illness and death among family and friends, sadness and prayers and more moments of great reflection.

I learned great lessons in the past year, the kind of lessons that help me define who and how I want to be. Even the ones that came at the hand of trial and tribulation have been a gift in what they have taught.

I am looking forward to putting them into practice in 2010.

So, I guess I have to thank the guy who said I should write about 2009. Turns out that, for me, it was a very good year.