[BraveMaroon]

Best year of my life, bar none.

I lost 43 pounds, got a new amazing boss, my company got bought by a bigger and better company.

I won a contest that allowed me to DJ a radio station for a day. I won a fitness challenge at work. I took a blue ribbon for my pepper jelly at the state fair. I won a Halloween costume contest. I got recommended to work on a committee that means a lot to me.

I made tons of friends and had the best social life I've ever had. I am finally, at the age of 37, popular. Love it. Threw and went to some great parties, and even invented an event at the office that took off and tripled in size.

My husband has had a tough year - some minor but persistent health concerns and he's being worked to death.

I actually got diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer (of the hair follicle) and had a good bit of my scalp removed in July, but aside from having to get creative with scarves and headbands for a few months, it was a piece of cake and they got it all.

But those last two things didn't really change the fact that 2011 was the best. Can't wait for more happiness in 2012.