Katie Couric's Notebook: 2009

Barack Obama's inauguration was a remarkable event - an African-American family now lives in the White House - which was partly built by slaves.

But he took office at a time of crisis: America, fighting two wars overseas, and battling a deep recession at home. These problems defy easy solutions.

It was a year when we said goodbye to some larger-than-life figures: Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Walter Cronkite. Heroes emerged: like Sully Sullenberger and the men and women of the U.S. military. Some heroes fell from grace...most notably Tiger Woods.

Susan Boyle captivated the world: a middle aged Scottish woman who came out of nowhere and now tops the music charts.

It was a year of dreams, disappointments and digging deep. Heroes, villains and surprises. And tonight, it, too, will be history.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.