Looking Back on 2009
Ok, so 2009 wasn’t my best year. Whatever that means. I lost several people very close to me, including my dear grandmother, and regret spending too much time worrying about things that just didn’t matter. I worked extremely hard, maybe too hard, and wasn’t able to make it home for Christmas this year because of everything going on.
It wasn’t just me. A great percentage of America felt the pinnacle of economic hardship, surmountable apathy from 8 previous years of disappointing politics, and shock and sadness over the unnecessary, pre-mature deaths of MJ, DJ AM, Brittany Murphy, and countless others.
That said, every year I try to take a step back and count my blessings in a list. A silly, self-indulgent practice, I know, but I think it’s important sometimes to look at the big picture, and be happy and grateful for what we are able to accomplish in our lives.
The irony of this upcoming list is that some of these “accomplishments” could potentially be seen as failures (projects fell through or things didn’t pan out the way I’d hoped, etc)…
BUT I do believe in the mantra – “At least I tried.”
As I sip on my glass-half-full cup of coffee, here are some of my ‘achievements’ in 2009:
1. I secured my first scripted TV pilot deal (based on the web series Private High Musical). It didn’t get picked up, but it was a great experience working with David Zuckerman and MTV.
2. Signed with a wonderful group of folks at ICM. I’m grateful to have agents that get me and are just all around cool people.
3. Joined Twitter. Thanks, George. Now it’s become part of my routine.
4. Wrote a book proposal (still working on the actual book.)
5. Attempted pole dancing classes. Umm. Going once counts, right?
6. Started a new blog on EQAL - TarynToGo.com – as a place for all of my random thoughts. Unfortunately, blogging consistency is not my strong point.
7. Initiated a breast cancer campaign called Tit For Tat, which we hope to continue next year during October Awareness Month.
8. Got my own iPhone App - http://bit.ly/taryntogo (even though I don’t have an iPhone.)
9. Acted in a few one-off YouTube videos and web series that earned more than 30 million hits (Wrong Hole, Woke Up Dead, Zombiez, The Temp Life, Lashes to Riches contest).
10. Started hosting a live web show for fun - The Taryn Ten – just three weeks ago. Hoping it will grow next year :)
11. Acted in three movies (Pound of Flesh, Frankenstein Brothers, Battle Los Angeles) and a cool short (Dewana’s Bridal).
12. Moved into my own place. First time living alone!
Beyond this, in 2009 I met some amazing new friends in LA, had a lot of fun with my girlfriends, attended Sundance and Comicon, traveled to Denver, Lousiana, Santa Barbara, Catalina, San Diego and NY (frequently), and dramatically reduced my daily Starbucks coffee habit.
So maybe 2009 was a pretty darn good year :-) Hmm.
Cheers everyone. Happy New Years Eve :)
Hey, that’s really a nice idea; instead of picking out the stuff you’re planning to do/change (and failing), pick out your strong point from the past year and build on things that worked. oooo…yes. I LIKE kiss
February 16, 2010 at 10:26 pm,
Hey, that’s really a nice idea; instead of picking out the stuff you’re planning to do/change (and failing), pick out your strong point from the past year and build on things that worked.
I actually came here wondering how that lashes contest turned out; there is zilch on the website about it and I guess that’s saying something too. I turned up way too late of course, haven’t been active on youtube in more than a year.
Well what they hey, all the best for you in 2010, congrats on landing that Globe job and stay fabulous, will you?
January 17, 2010 at 5:05 am,
It certainly seems like you accomplished a lot this year! You are always an inspiration to me and I appreciate your perspective and candor… oh, and your slammin’ bod.
Can’t wait to giggle with you in 2010!
xoxo – kate
January 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm,
Not to bad of a year for you except loosing your grandmother. I know how that feels. I got a new years resolution. To meet the georgous Taryn Southern
-Mark
@theMark_S
December 31, 2009 at 8:28 pm,
Taryn,
I empathize with you on your losses of people close to you. It makes life different every waking day because it’s an adjustment. I lost my mom a few years back and I finally am getting back around to “normal.”
Congrats on the numerous achievements! You’ve so much to be proud about! That list up there makes my head shake in amazement! My very best wishes for you to take more time off in 2010-and in your own words “be happy and grateful for what we are able to accomplish in our lives.”
Life, we only live once: live it, cherish today, plan for tomorrow, live it today, moment-to-moment.
Remember, for all your hard work, your videos, shows, projects help bring joy to many people, myself included:-)
So please be good TO YOU:) Cherish the achievements. Take a step back and rejoice in them. It’s not self-indulgent. Now enjoy and more of the best’ll come in 2010. Sometimes, it’s a miniscule adjustment and that’s the difference between working hard and having hard work: work and PAYOFF FOR YOUL:)
Keep your chin up!
You’re the best Taryn!:-)
God Bless,
James
December 31, 2009 at 4:06 pm,
I feel you in regards to 2009 and actually did my own “year in review”. I had the best and worst time this entire year but that is just a great sign of the many things to come. I can’t wait for 2010 and there are many great things on the HORIZON:) Good luck in the New Year.
December 31, 2009 at 3:39 pm,
Hey Beautiful,
I liked reading your blog. It’s good to take a step back and look at the big picture. Keep ‘rockin hard’ out there. 2010 is going to be a great year! Maybe you’ll make it back into town or I’ll run into you on my travels. Hey stay off the pole… I know acting can be hard but it’s not you! lol
God Bless,
Ryan
December 31, 2009 at 3:01 pm,
That’s cleared my thoughts. Thanks for ctonrbituing.
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January 10, 2012 at 8:59 am,