Oy gevalt! Is it 2010 yet? I'm ready for this year to be over so I can close the door on some things and start regrowth on other things.

Yeah, I know that's terribly vague, but when have you known me to give all the answers? I'm not even using my real name here.

Let's not call these goals resolutions. They're just a list of things I'd like to achieve in 2010 (since 2009 threw all these areas off-track). (Lord knows I already tried the laundry list of things and it didn't work out so hot -- 101 in 1001, anyone?)

PROFESSIONAL

Truth be told, my professional life has grown by leaps and bounds since last year. I quit Big Company, Inc., started my own design studio so I could freelance full-time, got into business with two individuals for a while, did a little new media business with some local politicians, and now here I am. One year later and back in the fray of searching for work.

Now when I say work, I don't mean a job per se. I really have no desire to go back into the corporate world, and after the year I had and the shit I learned, I'd only be up for a corporate gig if they came looking for me (and not the other way around). Luckily, that has been happening, including a recent interview in NYC and a few interviews with agencies here in Atlanta. It's good to see that two degrees plus ten years of experience means I actually start getting callbacks. *eye roll*

But aside from that, my design biz needs a serious B₁₂ shot. I've gotta build up my client base, and communicate with them more often post-project. I want to put out a monthly newsletter. I want to start a professional blog about design and technology (if only to whittle through all these press releases I've been getting lately). I want to get involved in more conferences and workshops and stuff locally to get my business' name out there. And of course, I want to get some very dormant side projects off the ground (like the comic book), and I need to get a bunch of things in order for SXSW 2010 this year (like funds to make it there, for example).

Speaking of which, I'M SPEAKING AT SXSW 2010!

Ironically enough, it looks like I'll actually make it there because I don't have a punk ass boss to shoot down the idea. Hooray entrepreneurship!

FINANCIAL

So I started off this year in a pretty decent spot. I had a nice amount saved up from Big Company, Inc., and with regular clients, everything was being taken care of well. Then I got into business with some other folks and shit just started going south. Money started getting split three ways, I'm nickeling and diming to get bills paid, selling my stuff so I can make ends meet, and now I'm down two bank accounts and all my savings.

Lesson learned? Be very, very, VERY careful about who you get into business with, especially if you're the smartest one in the group, doing the lion's share of the tasks, and have the strongest work ethic.

Luckily, my hard work has been starting to pay off. I'm picking up work here and there, and I'm ready to turn this financial setback around. Recession be damned! Although I have to admit, paying for things in cash has been surprisingly hassle-free and easy. I can see now how easy it is to not know where your money goes using plastic, especially with how debit and credit transactions are held. When you pay in cash, your money is gone immediately, so you don't end up spending cash you don't have.

That Teresa from Real Housewives of New Jersey might've had something there.

PERSONAL

Real talk: the highest personal point for me this year was becoming friends with Gaara again. It's one of those things I didn't really think would happen given the things I've said about him on this blog (as well as the things that happened that I didn't talk about on this blog). But you know, I find having him around to talk to has been extremely gratifying, not to mention a lot of fun. I didn't really think becoming friends with an ex was a viable option after The Ex, The Why, and Opportunity. Lord knows what those Negroes are doing right now -- probably off terrorizing some else's emotions for all I know.

But even with all the good things with Gaara, it would still be nice to find a boyfriend. Despite what might come forth on this blog (and from my ex's testimonials), I'm a catch. Highly educated, cute in the face, full of ambition and creativity, and you can take me home to the parents (if they're accepting, that is). But I sat on the sideline for most of 2009 for professional reasons. I'm ready to get out there and find The Future Mr. Karsh, but I know I have to get my finances back to a stable position and get a good stable of work before I feel comfortable with the whole relationship thing. I know that's weird, but that's how I am.

Also, next year I'll be turning 29. One step closer to 30, but I'm not scurred. (You know why.) I would love to have a big birthday bash celebrating my 30th, so I'm going to start planning it next year, and I'd love for as many of my friends to be there as possible. I don't know if it will be in Atlanta or not, but right now, I'm leaning towards having it out West somewhere (like San Fran or Vegas). Time will tell.

What's on your agenda for 2010?