Here's a look back at 2009::
10. In March, I found out that my left kidney was almost completely blocked & was informed that unless they performed surgery, I would lose complete function of it within a year. I'd had recurring pain and problems throughout my life, but they had always said I'd grow out of it. I was absolutely crushed, worried about not only completing the semester but also for the upcoming busy photo season. I opted to have the surgery earlier rather than later, so on April 6th, we trekked up to Monroe where we spent the next week in and out of the hospital. The surgery was apparently a "textbook operation" and I was initially sent home on the 3rd or 4th day afterward, but I developed an infection & had to go back to the ER. Sitting in the emergency room in the wee hours of the morning, and after having already gone through so much, my body was completely exhausted. My eyes started rolling back in my head & my teeth began chattering uncontrollably. At first, the nurses thought I was having a seizure, but I was still quite responsive, so they ruled that out. They gave me some medicine to help me relax, and I eventually calmed down & stayed in the hospital until Sunday of that week. Sometimes I look at my scar and wish it wasn't there, but it serves as a reminder that I still have a functioning kidney & am lucky not to have had any complications since. I am SO grateful for everyone who prayed & sent well-wishes during that time!
9. 3 weeks after surgery, I photographed my first prom :) I was in a lot of pain, but it was sooo much fun! It was the junior prom for some of my best friends from high school.
8. In spring, my photograph entitled "Innocence" was selected for the Dubuque Museum of Art biennial juried exhibition. 46 out of 114 artists were selected, and only 66 out of 318 works of art were chosen. In summer, that photograph & another entitled "Siblings" were selected for the Quincy Art Center's biennial juried exhibition. 91 works by 50 artists were chosen from 274 digital entries submitted by 96 artists. It was an incredible experience!
7. Had the opportunity to sing karaoke in Nashville at the same venue where they film CMT's Can You Duet? I'm dying to go back there! LOVE everything about that city.
6. Found out that we're going to have a new addition to the Huyvaert clan! My cousin's wife Destinee is pregnant with her second baby. We will welcome him or her around St. Patrick's Day in March. Woo! I love babies.
5. Celebrated my 20th birthday, which means one more year until I can sing karaoke at bars. Ha, I'm not even excited about the drinking or gambling part. Nope, just karaoke for me.
4. Got to see Josh Turner in concert! He's one of my favorite country singers, ranking right up there with Carrie Underwood. His lyrics are beautiful.
3. Started my junior year of college at Clarke & also decided to switch majors to communication instead of graphic design.
2. Scored a super Black Friday deal with the Canon T1i at Best Buy. It's a step up from my D40x, and I really like it so far.
1. Was asked to be the maid of honor for my best friend's wedding, which is going to be the day before my 21st birthday in October! Super excited. Love you Brit!
Bring it, 2010.
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