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Happy New Year everyone! 2009 is in the memory books and we're ringing in the new year. But let us not forget the moments that helped us smile from last year. There were many. Here are 7 that I don't want to forget.

7. Arizona Cardinals NFC Champions and Super Bowl bound. I am not a Cardinals fan but that fact that this team made the Super Bowl made me smile. It made me believe. I mean this was the Arizona Cardinals after all. If they could make the Super Bowl the least the Cincinnati Bengals could do for me is make the playoffs. I had a lot of optimism early in 2009.

6. Santonio Holmes Super Bowl MVP. Once a Buckeye always a Buckeye. Even if you play for the Steelers you still make me smile when you do great things (Unless your playing against the Bengals of course). We all remember the catch. He had 9 receptions for 131 yards and that winning touchdown. 

5. Evan Turner. Last season, the beginning of this season, I'd even say the season before last, we all knew that we were going to see something special out of this kid. From the triple doubles to him leading the team in assists and points and rebounds and all else. He's the leader for the Ohio State Men's Basketball team and is missed dearly with his back injury. Get well soon kid. You're a special player with a bright future.

4. Silver Bullets Back! (?) The question mark is because I'm not into jinxing anything. I am writing this on New Years day and the Buckeyes do play at 4:30 pm today. But it is a new year and we are talking about 2009 so it's safe to say that I was actually excited to see the Buckeye defense on the field this season. From Brian Rolle to Kurt Coleman to Thadeus Gibson, their hits on the other teams players were beautiful. Please give me more of that for 2010. 

3. The Games! This year was a little different. I was actually able to attend sporting events. From the season kickoff (Navy Game) to watching Evan Turner post a triple double (vs. Lipscomb) to my first ever NHL game (vs. Annaheim). I had a lot of fun and memories. This year I hope to attend a Bengals and Cavs game. Oh and I did attend a Columbus Clippers game with the people from work so I guess I can count that too.

2. Buckeyes Clinch Rose Bowl Birth. I've been in Columbus since September of 1998. Since then I have yet to watch the Buckeyes play in the Rose Bowl. Okay, they did play UCLA on the road in 2001 but you know what I mean. It's the Rose Bowl. I know I know. Get a playoff. This game doesn't matter. Blah Blah Blah. Well you know what? I don't care cause it's the Rose Bowl. 

1. Cincinnati Bengals Clinch AFC North. Remember what I said about the Arizona Cardinals? Well apparently the Bengals were paying attention. Going undefeated against the AFC North and clinching the division last week after defeating Kansas City brought a real big smile to my face. Not because I'm such a big Bengals fan. I mean I like them a lot but I don't love them like my Buckeyes. Because my dad does love them and his big smile made me smile. Now the Bengals are headed to the playoffs. I'd just like for them to try to be consistent about it. 

There are only 7 memories here but they are ones that I remember fondly. What do you remember about 2009 that brings a smile to your face?