Recap

A good friend of mine just sent me a top ten list of things that have happened to him and his family in 2009. I thought, damn! what a great idea! So, to completely plagiarize his idea, i'm listing mine. (and I got bored with just black type so I colored it make it more kid friendly.)

10. Starting a chain of events that led me to move to Frederick. It wasn't a pretty couple of weeks and a very close call in keeping my job, but in the end I'm happier than ever. I miss Columbia quite often but Frederick ended up being a happier work environment for me and helped me get out of my funk! (if you're curious to know what happened you can always read the blog from April!)

9. Moving in with Alice. We really began to start our family and our lives together and discovered new things in our relationship. I still remember having nothing in our place but an air mattress and a lamp! And now, we can't move without tripping over all the crap laying around! Also along those lines, becoming a Co-Director with Alice. Another new change in our relationship and work status. Not only did we live together but we worked together as well! We see each other every second of the day. For some it would drive them crazy but for us, it makes us stronger. I don't know what I would do without her.

8. Alice's sister and nieces moving back to the States. What a great way to kickoff the summer! Having those two little girls in my life has certainly enriched it and entertained it! It has been so very cool to meet them, get to know them and spend time with them.

7. Rekindling and keeping in touch with friends. I know it's cheesy but over the last few months, I have really needed to reach out and hold on to all the close friendships I've had and developed. It keeps my sanity sometimes to remember people who care even if they are far away.

6. Chicago. It's always nice to get back in touch with the close friends I have there. Even though I see them once a year, we always pick up right where we left and have some really fun times!

5. New York City. Basically Alice and I's first trip together. She was cold, I was chilly and we had an amazing time. It was an incredible feeling to be in an exciting city with the woman I love and in a city I love!

4. Half Marathon. I took the leap and ran one! It was an incredible feeling to finish one of those.  Just crossing that finish line and seeing everyone cheering for you was a really incredible moment and I loved it.

3. Moving out of Baltimore. I called this place home for 3 years and had a great roommate and I still miss her terribly. It was time to go become a grown up and I left kicking and screaming!

2. Ashley and Fesh's wedding. Another great time to spend with family and friends. Although getting licked by a tall man was something I don't really want to repeat anytime soon! And of course it brought Alice and I closer together.

1. Sam. I'm sure you all guessed that much! But seriously, he was the biggest joy to my life. He is everything a father could want from a son. Walking into the room and having him show off the biggest smile is a feeling that is indescribable. Having him is a joy that only being a parent can you truly understand. I still cannot believe that he's all mine (and Alice's) and I get the honor of raising him.

Something about looking back on all of the things that have happened over the year just makes you wonder what you'll change and what you'll struggle to keep the same. I know there's a lot of things going on right now with our economy, health plans, war, housing, taxes etc. but I am enjoying everything that has been happening. 


It has been one hellva ride this year and for me, I've got a pretty good seat belt. 


I just hope that life will continue to escalade and not plateau because I like to think I have plenty more thrills coming along. I wish you all the very best holidays (Unless you're Jewish and your holiday is over in which case I say, hope it was a good one!) and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Auld Lang Syne and that. Make the resolutions or break them but bring in that New Year with joy and love. As always, I hope to hear from you all on everything that is going on. You know how I like those updates!