Just thinking...

As a new year is rapidly approaching, I began to think of some of the highlights of this year.  A lot has happened this year.  So much so that it is difficult to recall everything.  I keep thinking "didn't that happen last year?"  Or, "did that really happen?"  And hopefully I don't highlight something that happened two or three years ago, or else I may be getting older faster than I want to.  Anyways, here goes...

The (not so) small things:

I found a rad cheese steak place close to my house.  (This will be a must for any visitors from now on).

I received an enormous cooler full of beer....for free.  (Which has lasted several months)

I purchased a brand new laptop this year.

I played in my high school alumni soccer game against my little brother.

Eating my birthday dinner at Old Country Buffet with Scott.

Going to the "Sound and Fury" hardcore festival with my friends Michael, Joel, and Chris.

Hanging with Peter and getting freebird's nachos when he visited me.

The Big things:

My new Job.  Its a whole new world starting a career for a change.

Trip to Europe with my family.  (absolutely amazing, and there's pictures on my myspace page.)

Visiting Conor in North Carolina.  (Excellent barbecue, and even excellent-er cheese balls)

Kelly and Katie's wedding.  (so much fun)

Surprising my family on Thanksgiving and showing up un-announced.

There were some sad and unfortunate times this year, I lost a very dear friend of mine, Todd Brissey.  But when I think of him, as I do all the time, I reflect on the good things.  I feel grateful for all the times I had with him, and all the laughs.  And I feel especially thankful for all the people that showed up to remember him and support his family at his funeral.  

So, looking forward to this new year, among my resolutions is to write more blogs.  (This has been hindered by factors out of my control to some degree)  And there will surely be some exciting trips to tell about.  Hopefully that will include Chicago, Boston, Mexico, and maybe some overseas traveling.  Only time will tell.  

Most of all, I'm stoked as all hell to be going home to Seattle for both the Christmas and new year's holidays.  Ringing in the new year with all my "real o.g.'s" for a change will be a real treat.  

till then...