As I reflect back on 2009, I realize the year went by WAY too fast. I suppose time always flies way too fast. This makes me realize I need to have a hyper-focus on savoring every moment with my friends and family. I think sometimes we get so caught up in thinking about tomorrow or putting off things until tomorrow…that we forget to focus on being present and aware in the here and now.

The past 12 months truly are a blur for me. Thanks to a quick thumb-through of my handy-dandy, Franklin-Covey planner, however, I’m going to do a quick recap of my highlights of 2009:

1. Browsing for engagement rings. Back in February (one week after Valentine’s Day, to be exact), Philip and I started the hunt for the perfect engagement ring. I’m not one who’s had her wedding planned since she was 10 (no offense to those who have), so when Philip and I started having discussions about the m-word, I had no clue what type of ring I wanted. A solitaire? A round or princess cut? I scoured magazines and Web sites, but realized quickly that, until I could actually put a ring on my finger, I would never know what the perfect ring would look like.

We browsed the selection at several local jewelry stores – Village Jewelers, Jared, Shane Co. I probably tried on $200,000 worth of jewelry that day. It wasn’t until we went to Genesis Diamonds in Cool Springs that I found “the one” that truly caught my eye. Because my fiance is wonderful…that’s the ring I get to enjoy every day.

2. Interacting with the amazing local Nashville wedding community. I remember the first time I emailed Ashley of AshleysBrideGuide.com. Since our very first interaction, I have been introduced to some incredible people – CJ Dickson of CJ’s Off The Square, Marie McKinney-Oates of the Nashville Marriage Studio, Liza Hippler of Maiden to Married, Emily Humphries of Simply Yours Weddings & Etc., Jennifer Milam of Reveal Event Style, The Grays of Gray Photography, Natosha of Big Spoon, Little Spoon, Cassandra of Sassy Bride on a Mission, Sarah of Planning Sarah Elizabeth, The Campbells of Jonathon Campbell Photography…AND MORE! Too many to name! I’ve met some of the neatest, most wedding-savvy people and I’ve been exposed to the most unique ideas for our big day.

3. Feeling like a princess as my Prince Charming pops the question. July 18, 2009 will be forever etched into my memory. That’s the day the love of my life asked me to be his wife. To read the full proposal story, click here.

4. Partnering with Rodan + Fields Dermatologists. In early September, I became an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields Dermatologists. Not only am I building a mega-growing nest egg for my future with Philip, but I now have a clear, even skin-tone that is blemish-free and will look fantastic for our wedding pictures. Sorry. Can’t help but boast. I’ve tried prescription after prescription for over 12 years and nothing has provided the results like my Rodan+Fields Unblemish Regimen. I can help you transform your skin too! Visit here to learn more – http://happyskin.myrandf.com

5. Taking time for summer vacations. This past summer was full of travel and I LOVED it. I went to Chicago, New Orleans and New York within just a few weeks time. I hope to continue making time to visit other cities.

6. Planning my Dad’s surprise 60th birthday party. This past year, my wonderful, amazing, handsome father turned 60-years-old. He’s never been one to call attention to himself or make a fuss over birthdays, so since this was the big 6-0, I figured we needed to do a surprise party and make it a grand event. Thanks to several people’s help including Mom, Philip, Mimi, Jill, Uncle Jerry and Oma Nell, the folks at the Bar-B-Q Barn and the Harrisburg Shrine Club, the surprise went off without a hitch. Over 100 people were there to share their birthday wishes for him. I’m pretty sure in my entire 25 years on this earth, that was the one and only time I’ve ever truly surprised my father.

In 2009, I made many new friends and rekindled relationships with friends from the past. I can’t wait to enjoy all that 2010 holds. May God bless you and yours as we transition into the coming year. Thank you for following along on my journey as I become Mrs. Dial. I have SO much more to share. See you in 2010. XOXO