2007 In Review

By Patrick, on January 1st, 2008 at 08:28 PM

As the fogginess clears from New Years and we all take an extra nap for that headache we all woke up with (not me of course- I don’t get those) I’d like to once again take a minute to reflect on what the hell just happened this past year.

School

My college days are moving further and further into distant memory. Last year I spoke about Grad School and 2008 will be my exploratory year into serious thought about the subject. I’m really interested in going back and this year I’m going to sit down and work it all out. I don’t know where and I don’t know for what but I know that I’m ready to figure it out.

Work

I had a great year at work. I was exposed to a lot of travel and new experiences- everything from following racers in the Bull Run Rally, to pushing GM’s newest electric vehicle. My travels took me from ghetto fabulous Detroit to ghetto fabulous Miami. New co-workers has led to new friendships and even better lunches in the edit suite. I hope 2008 will not only has great- but better than 2007. I am energized to step up and make an impact in 2008.

Friends

Like I wrote above, my friends at work continue to be a good time. From the moments with Chanelle to schemes with Krissy and Ryan to baked goods from Mallory and let’s not forget the sports commentary from Neal. Birthday office pranks have shown that with enough newspaper and awesome interns, work can be very enjoyable. Thanks to Rachel and Jessica for keeping the workplace entertaining in as little as 20 hours a week (maybe 5 hours a week when talking about Jess.)

In 2007 friends like Falkor and Wendi have moved into the area and has led to many great times. Other friends have moved away like Diana, Ben, and Lindsay and that has made me sad. Some friends spent a short time here, like Patrice and Colleen and made things interesting. As always Sarah, Doug, Laura and Emily have made trips to Renaissance Festivals and Hershey Park fun. CJ and Eliza throw awesome Maryland tailgate parties and know how to have a good time in B’more. Jessie has taught me that half Asians are just as good as the 100% variety.

I really enjoyed the conversations I’ve shared with Rebecca in 2007; anything from my stupid love life to other details- she’s been a great friend to have down here in DC. I’m excited that Adam, Camille, Sara, and Charlotte have made me appreciate the nights out on U-Street, the new neighborhood I discovered in 2007. Watch out Adams Morgan!

Something I’ve come to appreciate in 2007 is as life goes on you’ll always have friends no matter where you move off to. My visits back home made me realize who my lifelong friends were going to be. I can’t go back home without giving Bill or Dave a call. Patrick and I continue to keep in touch and I think that in 2007 our friendship has become even stronger post high school. Catching up with Mike and Joe feels like it was only yesterday that we were all roommates in TH404.

Life with my five crazy roommates has been better than ever in 2007. Adam has introduced me to some awesome new friends in LJ. Burak always makes living in this house unpredictable. Laura has become the first ever female resident to Cleveland Street- and in 2008 we will see the female population double in the house. She’s also got Burak and I into a Kickball league which has led to many more new friends and experiences.

This past week has made me realize that sometimes life changes, sometimes people change. I’m thankful to know that I have such a great group of friends and I know that all my friends will continue to make every year a great one.

Family

It’s exciting to see Diana starting her career in publishing in NYC. The lovely gifts she gave at Xmas shows that she’s going to do a great job. Kim is quickly making her mark at my old alma mater- I’m proud of all the accomplishments she’s doing there. Danny? Well he’s having fun at CHS and I guess that’s all we can hope for.

Love

Two words to describe the women of 2007. Crazy Bitches.

Besides the fact I need to meet normal people- I’m starting to realize that there have been some vestiges of the past that I should really stop even trying with. As Bill just told me, “fuck FSC bitches.” That I will- well not to that extent.

The dating scene in 07 included stupid drama with girls hundreds of miles away, one or two scientists (you wouldn’t believe how many of them there are in this town,) and chasing girls that are just teases or crazy- maybe both. Let’s also mix in a couple first dates for good measure.

Over the summer I dated Marjorie and reminded me why I like girls from the South… and also why I shouldn’t date girls from the south. She fit Rebecca’s sterotype of women I date. I think I need to fix that, maybe date girls who are a bit taller. Marjorie was good while it lasted and she taught me a lot about dealing with women.

Goals for 2008? Avoid crazy girls. That’s about it.

Travel and Special Events

Besides work I did a little bit of traveling during the year. The OBX was a blast and the videos that spawn off from my second annual trip excites me for the fun times we’ll have in 2008- double the houses means double the fun!

The Three-way birthday party was by far one of the best ideas Krissy, Ryan, and I have come up with. I think it needs to make a return in 2008. I should also note that Krissy has awesome friends that I’ve gotten to know in 2007 and I’m looking forward to awesome theme parties in 2008.
People got married in 2007. My cousin Mai, Krissy, Christina, and Mallory. These Weddings proved that I have no skills in dancing- even after a few drinks. People also got engaged in 2007: Melanie, Rebecca, and Dave (the first wedding where I’m in the party.) This means that 2008 will have a couple more nuptials I’ll get to see. Did people have babies in 2007? Prolly but I’m too young to think about babies.

I celebrated my 30th DMB show in Bristow with front row tickets, made a return trip to North Carolina to see the Tarheels play, and attended my high school five-year reunion.

I still haven’t taken that cruise but I think it’ll be a good vacation to take before I start Grad School- that prolly means 2009.

In Conclusion

Made some headway with my videos- I hope slowing down on these Wedding projects will give me time to tackle some side projects I really hope to do. I have some new ideas for my blog that I hope to implement in 2008 and I still need to find that hobby. I know that Fantasy Baseball and Football has become a year round hobby- but maybe something with more people. 2007 has given flavor to a new life that start back in 2006. I hope 2008 will continue to bring good times while also firming up the direction of where I want to go in the future.