I made a promise to myself that I'd do a lot of the things I always wanted to do this year before I turned 30. For the most part, I think I was pretty successful.
Highlights from the year that was:
• Went Snowboarding for the very first time in February. There’s a lot of pain learning how to keep your balance, but that one, last smooth line as we finished our weekend made it all so much more than worth it. I haven’t had a chance to go back yet this season, however, I will definitely be making time for at least one more weekend of riding.
• Took a class in Chicago with an awesome co-worker and had a blast downtown. Ate at Harry Carry’s and took in my first Cubs game at one of the last great sports landmarks; Wrigley Field. I’m not much of a baseball fan but damn if even I wasn’t moved singing “Take me out” during the 7th inning stretch there.
• Participated in my first (and probably only) Caucus including going to the county Caucus as a representative from my district. Naturally, I pledged my support for Obama.
• Visited beautiful St. Paul and pretty hip Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stayed in a 4 star hotel, listened to some great local Jazz, met some fantastic people over some great meals, and reflected on the sacrifices of history at the state capitol for Memorial Day.
• Enjoyed some amazing food and a great time at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The conference I was there for was pretty great too.
• Jumped out of a perfectly good airplane of my own volition. The hyperbole is right, it’s one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have.
• A good year for finally getting some of the really rare and expensive video games I’ve always wanted. Purchased a N64 DD along with Doshin 2, found Panic! on the PS2, and finally got L.S.D. (it’s in the mail as I type this).
• I got my first tattoo!
• Spent a day scuba diving in Key Largo. First time ever doing an open water dive. Our instructor was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have had a better time. Also in Florida:
o Spent a few days at Disneyland with my wife and sister-in-law including some fantastic meals, fun rides, and dancing a night away in Downtown Disney.
o Spent two days with my grandmother in Lantana who I hadn’t seen in years. She cooked us a fresh potroast from her local butcher; it was amazing.
o Spent lazy days on the beach in Del Ray, Clearwater, and Boyton.
o Ate day fresh Mahi Mahi under a Sunset on the pacific and enjoyed some of the best Key Lime pie on the planet.
o And most strangely, was asked to be in a fitness infomercial with my sister-in-laws friends. Our trip couldn’t have gone any better.
• Though I hated going through a lot of it, I’ve learned a ton about my profession this year pushing through probably the biggest professional project of my life. Lawson has been infinitely challenging and even more frustrating, but hopefully it will be worth it.
• And, probably most importantly, I’ve changed my lifestyle and started to get into shape. This time last year, I weighed about 170 lbs. Today, I weigh about 140. Starting in April, regular exercise has been a part of my life. This trend will continue with my goal getting back to about 130. I’m running about 12 miles a week now; I’m hoping to get this to 16 miles by the summer.
I’m sure I’m missing a few dozen other experiences worth noting, but for my money, things were pretty successful this year. Here’s to 2009.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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