I started 2008 with a lot of drinks, a whole lot of kisses, and some frustration. The second half of 2008 sped by me as I work kept me busy and stressed. The travel, the weekends on the job, the extra hours in the office all made it hard to realize that it’s already 2009. But it is and I am lucky to now have a chance to rest, relax, and reflect on what exactly just occurred.
One thing that I’m proud of in 2008 was the changes I’ve made to this blog. Patrick told me a couple of weeks ago that I’ve been blogging, “before it was called blogging.” I have had a website where I write my thoughts since high school but this was the year that I really think I got the whole thing down.
Besides bringing the technology of the site into the new millennium, I also took a look at my writing style and really tried to find a format that makes sense for me and hopefully makes my writing more interesting to read for you. I credit the changes from the increased exposure I had to other blogs. Looking back 2008 was the year I really learned what blogging was all about even though I’ve been doing it since the mid 90s.
There’s also one more change that I’m kinda happy about:
I don’t like bringing a lot of attention to it cause I don’t want to be really obnoxious about it. I also think I have a long ways to go before I’m totally hot- but I’m getting there. Weird that I actually think that I might be good looking- well at least more good looking than I usually think I am. In 2008 I lost 20 lbs and maybe if I’m lucky I won’t gain it all back. This is the only time I’m going to mention my weight publicly- I already get embarrassed enough when coworkers bring it up. However after these holidays I’m going to have to redouble my efforts.
The end of 2008 also found me in different surroundings. While I still live in Arlington, I moved out of Cleveland Street onto Highland street. While it wasn’t a big move, I am absolutely in love with the new house I love in it’s great living with Sarah and Caroline. I am really happy here and I think a my new digs will play a big role in 2009.
School
I’ve spent this past year doing some thinking about where I want to go next with school. I definitely want to go to Grad School, I want the additional experience, knowledge, and credentials that an additional degree brings. This year I started looking at different schools and programs. At first I was looking at film & video programs but I realized that while I’d love to get another degree in that area- I already have a deep background there and I wanted to learn something different. I have decided that I want to learn more about PR/Communications so I can continue to expand my role at work.
My goal this year is work on applying and getting into a program for Fall 2009, it will be an interesting year to start up school again.
Work
Last year I wanted to make an impact at work for 2008 and that certainly has happened. This year I have stepped up into a bigger role in the company. I’ve taken on more responsibilities and I have seen a huge increase in work especially towards the second half of the year. During this past summer and fall I got involved in regular trips between Washington DC and Boston where I have been involved in a lot of different projects in both locals. While the work this year resulted long work hours, days, and weeks; it was nice to find myself back home a few extra times this year.
I don’t know what 2009 will bring but this break has given me a chance to rest and reflect and I’m ready to take on the beast again for another year. This year I hope to not lose a step and continue to make the impact I’ve been making in 2008.
Friends
2008 was a great year with my friends. Work has been different without Chanelle and I certainly miss the Chanelle-ness she brought to the job. Work has also a bit more intense for everyone which has led to less lunch hours with Krissy and Mallory. However Pho lunches with Krissy, Gloria, and Kristen need to continue in 2009. However Ryan and Neal and I were able to get together for poker this year and a goal this year is to host some Poker nights at my new place. Looks like I’ll be losing lots of money this year. It’s another goal to have
Without Chanelle there’s certainly been a different dynamic in the office with Peter and Dave- my office is definitely now a gentleman’s club. Talk about sports, and female cable personalities fills our day and I love every minute of it. It’s also been great to have Peter around to help me root for our local sports teams.
As always I had some great times with my MoCo favorites (Sarah, Falkor, Doug, Katie, Emily), while they live a bit further now we managed to still get together for some nights out on the town, sporting events, and Thanksgiving football game I’ll never forget thanks to Falkor. Katie and I have shared many conversations- unfortunately most of them revolved around cougars and her boss. All of us (and Stephanie) have shared many awesome trips, including numerous rampant nights in Baltimore. 2009 will be different with Sarah and Falkor leaving for Africa- thank goodness they will be coming back for the OBX!
I had some great times with Rebecca, Adam, and company. Whether it was a July 4th bar crawl, a night out at Local 16, or even a night of Monopoly, I always have a great time with them. They have also become close confidants to a lot of life’s situations.
In 2008 LJ and I enjoyed numerous Red Sox games while pulling me into ridiculous fantasy football leagues. Adam made sure both of us were actively involved with the Obama campaign whenever possible.
I’m always able to laugh when I’m with Wendi and I’m happy we’ve been able to catch each other when we do. I have to admit I haven’t gotten to spend a whole lot of time with Ian but hopefully we’ll be able to catch up soon.
Back home in Massachusetts I’ve had plenty of chances to keep up with Dave, and Bill thanks to my business trips. 2008 also saw me reconnecting with Jimmy Clancy and his new wife. I continue to keep in touch with Patrick even though he’s always in a different state every time we catch up. 2008 was also the year Sean moved back to Massachusetts form Florida, and now the crew was complete this year. Good times were had with Sean, Mike, and Joe- including my first game at Fenway Park and a crazy night on Emily’s birthday.
I now expect two things to happen every year during the holidays: an annual reunion of Me, Phil, and Tessa; and an annual gossip lunch with OC.
I also got to reconnect with a whole group of DMB friends this year, Alyssa, Kristen, and Michele. Now that Alyssa and Michele live in Boston, they are two more names I’ll have to add to the “must see” list when I go back home.
Friends like Carolyn and Laura moving away while others like Michael Anthony Gregorio move in. DC is a transient region so I treasure all the moments I get to spend with all of my friends.
Family
I started getting weird e-mails this fall. They were from various colleges and universities trying to get my to apply to their schools for an undergraduate degree. When I saw that the e-mails were addressed to Daniel, I realized someone has mistaken my e-mail for his and I got spammed. It’s weird to think that my little brother is almost ready to go to college.
While that’s going my sister Kim is making waves at FSC, finishing a summer in Europe and getting ready for Junior year. Man I’m starting to feel old. Meanwhile Diana is continuing to impress me with all the great books that are being pumped out at her publishing house. Her and Mike also got engaged in 2008.
2009 has lots to look forward to with my family, my favorite cousin Christina is turning 21 and will continue to rip up UMass and this month I get to catch up with my favorite Aunt.
Love
I went out with Rebecca this past weekend and she told me that she never knew a time that I wasn’t seeing someone. That is such a weird statement. But then again my game has never been as good as it’s been. 2008 was by far the busiest year when it comes to women, and I’m glad to say that I was able to keep crazy FSC bitches out of them… well for the most part…it’s funny how some women just never go away. It’s also funny how things can pick up just where they left off after some time.
I also randomly hooked up with some girl from New Jersey. Always awesome to do the walk of shame from L’enfant Plaza.
This summer I dated a number of interesting women. Two were summer flings, the kind that come into town and before you know it they are gone just as fast as they came. One was a Senior over at Harvard- could she be the smartest person I’ve ever dated? She’s probably not as smart as the Carnegie Mellon grad that’s now working as a programming at Microsoft. She was a student of Randy Pausch, a great man who I (and many others) learned about this year and was sad to see him pass on. Miss Seattle also led me to another girl whom I dated a couple of times but wasn’t anything special, she did laugh at all my jokes however.
I briefly dated one of Sarah’s co-workers and while she was really fun and has introduced me to everything Eastern Market has to offer, I could see she was never going to be available the way I wanted it to be.
Nobody is going to let me live down Sean’s wedding. It’s going to be a memory for me right up there with Minneapolis. At least I still talk to both girls.
Also let’s never forget about that teacher from Walpole. I’ve never felt so honored in my life. Maybe I should just spent the rest of my days as Cougar bait.
The day before Halloween I met Carrie and so far she wins the record for girl I’ve dated the most. Then again it’s a pretty easy record to set. She’s been very good to me these past few months.
As always I have no love goals for 2009- I will continue to play everything out just like I always do.
Travel & Special Events
2008 has to be the year of the weddings. I went to a lot of them.
The first one was Jimmy Clancy’s and it was a trip down high school memory lane. The ceremony was at St. Mary’s where I spent my days as a Boy Scout and ended at Andover Country Club where we had our senior banquet.
After that it was Rebecca and Adam’s wedding and I have to say that it was by far one of the craziest weddings I’ve been to. Anytime I get a knock on the door the next day from a half dressed Paul Depoian means that it was a good time.
Melanie and Jim’s wedding was the most artsy, they had a really interesting arrangement at the altar. While I was only 1 of 2 FSC representatives there I still managed to have a good time with all of their friends.
I lucked into Sean and Amanda’s wedding and I definitely made the most of it. That’s all I gotta say.
2009 will bring probably only 1 wedding but I’m going to need a break after this past year of weddings.
2008 saw another great trip to the OBX- right now I’m working on the videos for them and hopefully get them out before our next trip in May. It was great having a record 30 people come down. What probably made 2008 was the Jenga and the flag stealing. While 2009 will see a crowd not that high, it will still be great times.
Once again I also made a trip out to Hershey, PA to Hershey Park. This time we also got to celebrate Falkor’s birthday in a local bar across the street from the hotel. I’ve never seen a bar tab that high til that night.
I also made 2 Obama related road trips this year: one to Philadelphia and another to Roanoke. I’m really happy with the work and travel I put into the campaign and I hope that in the future I will continue to become active election campaigns.
There were some DMB trips made this year, the first one was to SPAC where I got visit Diana along the way. The other was at Nissan Pavilion where I went to LeRoi Moore’s last show.
I finally found some time to take the trip into Pittsburgh, I visited Melanie and Jim and experienced a little bit of what the Steel City has to offer. I was surprised at the how short the trip was and it’s definitely not out of the question for a repeat trip in 2009.
I certainly traveled a whole lot in 2008. I hope to do some more in 2009. Is this the year for the Cruise? Is this the year for Canada? Maybe it’s finally time for me to visit the West Coast- who knows where I’m traveling in 2009, but I will probably figure it out for this summer.
Hobbies
Last year I wrote about finding a new hobby besides fantasy sports. Well I have to say that I’ve taken blogging into a new level that it’s become a serious pastime of mine. In 2008 I became a contributor to DC Metblogs and it has kept me busy. This winter I was also given the opportunity to get back into a long lost passion- theatre. In early 2009 I will be working on a production with the Arlington Players and I hope that 2009 will see more headway into a possible comeback into theatre.
Are there other crazy activities I might get into? I’d want to make a goal but I can see that 2009 maybe busy enough.
In Conclusion
2008 was a crazy busy year for me on many fronts. While I have been busy with many things I’ve seen myself change in many ways. All along the way I’ve still been rely on the support and encouragement of all my friends and family.
I hope 2009 will be a year that helps define my future here in Washington DC. I hope that this year I figure out my school situation and that I continue to explore new and old passions and hobbies.
I also hope to that I can look to a summer of fun travels, starting with the OBX and ending with who knows what.
But the biggest resolution I want to make is to have a good time and to make others happy- because isn’t that all we want in life?
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