Year in Review (Originally written 1/1/06)

It’s a little late, but I thought it might be a good idea to give a recap of my year; my experiences, major thought trends, feelings, friends, etc, etc, etc. I think the defining moment in my life this year was the entire experience surrounding the Concert Band trip to Japan and China. Just, the intense responsibility that was just thrust upon me to play well, and play well as an ensemble. Plus, the shock of making the band in my first semester of eligibility. So many things went along with it, including meeting some wonderful people. Wonderful friends. Specifically, I’m talking about Benjamin, and for last year, Phil and Brad. It is such a blessing to finally be part of a group. Plus, the opportunity to travel to the Far East was just amazing. I’ve talked about it many times before, so I won’t go on about it, but it was phenomenal. Yeah, that whole deal is something that is hard to articulate, but it was a pivotal event. I grew closer to a friend of mine back home, who then gained a girlfriend. I won’t say that she strains our friendship, but she definitely adds a different dynamic for me at least. I don’t exactly know how I feel about it, because I sometimes worry about him. I just want to see him happy, but I hope he knows what he’s doing, going in so hardcore. I guess I’m not the best person to talk about this, but whatever, it’s the year in review. I seem to have taken a more complacent stance towards the pursuing of romantic relationships this year. It’s not like I shy away from women or anything. I don’t know, I hadn’t found a girl that just struck my heart a flutter in the way that certain individuals have done in my past. I had little crushes, of course. It always seems that the girls I like either have significant others, or are in situations that make it very difficult to initiate anything. I find myself thinking about the trombone Star Wars girl a lot thought. I want to maybe attempt to ask her on a date this month. Also this year, I took up swing dancing as a hobby. I’m starting to get pretty serious. I recently purchased a pair of Aris Allen wingtip dance shoes. How could I forget Star Wars Episode III? Man, can’t believe that. The final installment of the saga definitely played a big part in my cultural/social life this year. From the creation of my Jedi robes, to the 6 hour campout, the 11 theater viewings to the 17 hour marathon, Star Wars definitely played a big role. And you know what, I like it. I like Star Wars, and I have no regrets whatsoever about anything I’ve done regarding it. I only wish I could have gone to Celebration III. This year saw the adoption of a scarf as an appropriate item of dress, as well as the blazer. It has seen the rejuvenation of a couple somewhat dormant friendships, most significantly to me, the renewal of relations with a dear female friend of mine from high school. One of my most very favorite people. It’s also seen a good year at work. The arrival of Shane at Walgreens store #5634 has really made work a lot of fun. It’s been a good year, overall. What do I want to do this year? I want to continue to keep myself relatively fit, and get out on my bike (or some form of bike) more often. I would like to worship on a regular basis at Luther. I feel as if my journey is now taking me to look for some form of non-friend relationship with a woman. In order to do that, I also want to be more social, and be more open. Not deny my roots (i.e. Star Wars geekiness, bad hair, etc, etc, etc), but try and look presentable to the opposite gender. I should just try to imitate Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back. That worked out for him pretty well. I don’t know, that’s the very random, out of order, nonsensical, year in review.