Hey folks,
As has become customary every year at this time, it's time for my year in review. The year 2007 turned out to be a great year of growth for me. If you're curious why, read on...
1_ What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
I went on an extended trip with a good friend of mine. As simple as that sounds, I honestly, had never taken a vacation that only included myself and a best friend. Lu and I traveled to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota in late July.
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2008?
I did stay more active through this past summer and as such, I think I kept up my end of the bargain for my resolution of doing so last year. I also paid off one of my biggest bills in my car just this past month. I really wanted to take better care of myself financially and I think I really did, for the most part.
I certainly have made some resolutions for 2008. Not only to lose weight over the summer, but I want to lose weight and keep it off through the entire year. In year's past I have managed to lose a few pounds through eating better and exercise, but when the temperatures start to cool in the fall and winter I consistently use it as an excuse not to exercise. I want to start a routine of exercising (through running or whichever) during the summer and in the exercise room here at the apt. building when it's too cold to get outside. Because, really, I have no excuse not be using it. Other resolutions are to pay off my dad by the end of the year. I owe him money from medical bills a few years ago and now that I have extra money left over at the end of the month, I need to start saving. I have some bad habits I really want to break and those are also a priority. And, of course, the inevitable "meeting someone special" resolution. It hasn't worked the past 3 years and I really have doubts it will work in 2008, but well, we'll see.
3_ What places did you visit?
I didn't really make it out of Grand Forks much in 2008, but as I said above, I did make it a trip in late July with Lu out to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. On our trip, we stopped and visited many places I had never been before. We visited the Terry Redlin Art Center in Watertown, SD (very cool!), Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD, and of course, the Badlands and Black Hills. We certainly made the most of 4 days and saw a lot of beautiful country. I'll go back again someday! I also managed my annual 2-week vacation back home in August, once again.
4_ What events marked 2007?
» January: The Colts march to Super Bowl XLI. What an exciting time to be a Colts fan! Weather was fairly uniform, with no really extended periods of cold or mild temperatures or any big snow-storms. Did end the month rather chilly!
» February: Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowl XLI on the 4th! Go Blue! Cold and snowy to begin the month. Dropped below zero on the 2nd and didn't warm above zero again until the 8th. Snow-storm from the 23rd through the 25th gave us a couple of inches of snow.
» March: Tornado outbreak on the 1st leaves destruction and fatalities along the Gulf Coast. Enterprise, AL hit particularly hard when a school full of kids was hit by the twister. An Alberta Clipper dropped several inches across the area on the 15th. Then broke through the 50° barrier for the first time on the 21st!
» April: Snow on the 2nd gave the region several inches of fresh powder. Grand Forks ended up with a couple of inches. Why are winters up here so god-damned long? Had our first severe-thunderstorm warning of the year on the evening of the 20th and saw our first 70° day the same day. Northern Plains Convective Workshop was held here in Grand Forks on the 24th and 25th.
» May: An tornado of epic proportions decimated the small town of Greensburg, Kansas on the 4th. First storm chase of the year on the 21st with another on the 28th. Weak tornado near Page, ND on the 30th. First 80° day on the 8th and heard thunder for the first time on the evening of the 7th. I'm such a weather-geek, I know.
» June: A very favorable work schedule the entire month! M-F, 8 hour days, and office shifts the entire month. Worked on GIS/511 project most of the time... Note to self, volunteer for projects at work this summer! :) Hit 90° for the first time on the 11th! Saw my first tornado in 3 years on Father's Day southeast of Grand Forks. Heavy rains lead to flooding concerns over much of the valley during the mid and late-month period. Temps above 90 for 3 days straight from the 23rd through the 25th.
» July: Back to a normal work schedule... and vacation! Traveled to the Black Hills and Badlands of SD from the 26th through the 29th with Lu. Very warm month with 22 days exceeding 80 degrees; 8 of which exceeded 90° F. Ended the month with an extended heat wave (7 of the final 10 days were 91° F or warmer). Set a record high minimum on the 24th. Consecutive Supercells on the 15th resulted in tornadoes, hail, and lots of crop damage to the southern valley. Drove my car into a 3-4 foot excavated road late in the evening on the 31st. Doh!
» August: The car hit 60,000 miles on its odometer on the 1st! Lu packs up and moves to Pittsburgh, much to my disappointment. I still miss having her around, even today... More vacation! Spent two weeks from the 17th to 31st back home in Indiana. Large tornado hits Northwood, ND on the 26th in a Greensburg-ish fashion.
» September: Lost cell phone (an LG Chocolate, no less) reappears on eBay (evidently) and was able to retrieve it from a local Verizon store, where someone had brought it in attempt to reactivate it. I never thought I would ever see it again...
» October: Birthday (Matt - version 29) on the 30th... Blah!
» November: My mother and stepfather visit for Thanksgiving. Fell below zero for the first time on the evening of the 26th.
» December: Last payment (#63) on the car! All mine! Received a total of 6 inches of snow on the weekend of the 1st, then had an additional 8 inches on the 4th. Unfortunately, that snow-cover is still with us.
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's wife had her second child; a little girl named Myah... Cute as a button!
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, no...
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
Once again, I wish I would have been able to save more money... And wish I would have been able to date more. Maybe this year, eh? ;) Work on my web-cam project.
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Subscribing to Match.com without really using it... Eating... ;)
9_ What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A World Series from the Chicago Cubs! A committed relationship with someone special...
10_ What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
February 4, 2007: The Super Bowl win from the Colts... I'll never forget it!
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
Groceries... A ceiling fan for my bedroom, season DVD's of "The Office," and a Paper Shredder.
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
I didn't get the lens I so badly wanted for the camera in 2007. Although, early in 2008, I already have it on order! :) The mic that I still need for my mobile amateur radio-rig. A pelican case for the XT.
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Had dinner at Texas Roadhouse with Emily, then went to the Down Under with Shaw and Heather for drinks.
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing another tornado - one that didn't last 45 seconds! ;)
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Pictures for the walls in my apartment... The season DVD's for "The Office." Watch them all the time...
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Probably my sister...
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There's been a couple of lady-friends (that will go unnamed) that I've met that have done some very selfish things, to purposefully hurt me. I've since brushed them off and am moving on. I can't get all worked up and angry about the past.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Much happier... For once in my life, I have a great opportunity to save some money and become more financially secure. 2008, I'm pumped!
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I'm somewhat thinner, but looking at me, you'd probably never notice. My weight at the end of 2007 was about 6 pounds less than at that point last year.
20_ Richer or poorer?
Somewhat richer... Not having a car payment pays dividends! :)
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
Knocked Up... Hilarious movie! You, Me and Dupree (mmm, Kate Hudson)
22_ What was your favorite TV program(s)?
The Office, Family Guy, SportsCenter...
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Embassy - an awesome band from Ohio!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Casual... and whatever felt comfortable...
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Emily... She's really nice and is a pretty good friend - even though we haven't hung out in a quite a while. I really need to...
» Sheffield... She's a new co-worker at Meridian. Really cool to hang out and chat with...
» Jason... Another co-worker... Cool guy and just found out recently that he lives in the same apt. complex as me, so we may hang out a little more than before...
26_ How many different boys did you kiss in 2007?
Hah, ummm, that would be none!
27_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2007?
Two
28_ How many boys did you have sex with in 2007?
That would be another ZERO!
29_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2007?
Sadly, not even close to an integer... ;)
30_ Did you fall in love in 2007?
Not really...
31_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my car paid off, most certainly... Am fairly proud of my work with the web-cam project, though. I was able to really put some serious time into it this past year.
32_ What was your biggest failure?
Shedding the pounds I wanted to and keeping them off. I haven't exercised much at all this past fall and winter and I've splurged on junk food way too much recently.
33_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
If you call a credit card company to bitch about your interest rate, they CAN lower it for you! :) A VERY valuable lesson I learned from my brother-in-law.
34_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"Life for you, has been less than kind
So take a number, stand in line
We've all been sorry, we've all been hurt
But how we survive, is what makes us who we are"
:: Survive - Rise Against
There's been a lot of ups and downs in this past year. But in the end, I'm in a much better place today. This sums things up rather well...
A bid adieu to 2007...
Welcome 2008!
Edit: 01/09/08 at 8:37 PM CST
As has become customary every year at this time, it's time for my year in review. The year 2007 turned out to be a great year of growth for me. If you're curious why, read on...
1_ What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
I went on an extended trip with a good friend of mine. As simple as that sounds, I honestly, had never taken a vacation that only included myself and a best friend. Lu and I traveled to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota in late July.
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2008?
I did stay more active through this past summer and as such, I think I kept up my end of the bargain for my resolution of doing so last year. I also paid off one of my biggest bills in my car just this past month. I really wanted to take better care of myself financially and I think I really did, for the most part.
I certainly have made some resolutions for 2008. Not only to lose weight over the summer, but I want to lose weight and keep it off through the entire year. In year's past I have managed to lose a few pounds through eating better and exercise, but when the temperatures start to cool in the fall and winter I consistently use it as an excuse not to exercise. I want to start a routine of exercising (through running or whichever) during the summer and in the exercise room here at the apt. building when it's too cold to get outside. Because, really, I have no excuse not be using it. Other resolutions are to pay off my dad by the end of the year. I owe him money from medical bills a few years ago and now that I have extra money left over at the end of the month, I need to start saving. I have some bad habits I really want to break and those are also a priority. And, of course, the inevitable "meeting someone special" resolution. It hasn't worked the past 3 years and I really have doubts it will work in 2008, but well, we'll see.
3_ What places did you visit?
I didn't really make it out of Grand Forks much in 2008, but as I said above, I did make it a trip in late July with Lu out to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. On our trip, we stopped and visited many places I had never been before. We visited the Terry Redlin Art Center in Watertown, SD (very cool!), Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD, and of course, the Badlands and Black Hills. We certainly made the most of 4 days and saw a lot of beautiful country. I'll go back again someday! I also managed my annual 2-week vacation back home in August, once again.
4_ What events marked 2007?
» January: The Colts march to Super Bowl XLI. What an exciting time to be a Colts fan! Weather was fairly uniform, with no really extended periods of cold or mild temperatures or any big snow-storms. Did end the month rather chilly!
» February: Indianapolis Colts win Super Bowl XLI on the 4th! Go Blue! Cold and snowy to begin the month. Dropped below zero on the 2nd and didn't warm above zero again until the 8th. Snow-storm from the 23rd through the 25th gave us a couple of inches of snow.
» March: Tornado outbreak on the 1st leaves destruction and fatalities along the Gulf Coast. Enterprise, AL hit particularly hard when a school full of kids was hit by the twister. An Alberta Clipper dropped several inches across the area on the 15th. Then broke through the 50° barrier for the first time on the 21st!
» April: Snow on the 2nd gave the region several inches of fresh powder. Grand Forks ended up with a couple of inches. Why are winters up here so god-damned long? Had our first severe-thunderstorm warning of the year on the evening of the 20th and saw our first 70° day the same day. Northern Plains Convective Workshop was held here in Grand Forks on the 24th and 25th.
» May: An tornado of epic proportions decimated the small town of Greensburg, Kansas on the 4th. First storm chase of the year on the 21st with another on the 28th. Weak tornado near Page, ND on the 30th. First 80° day on the 8th and heard thunder for the first time on the evening of the 7th. I'm such a weather-geek, I know.
» June: A very favorable work schedule the entire month! M-F, 8 hour days, and office shifts the entire month. Worked on GIS/511 project most of the time... Note to self, volunteer for projects at work this summer! :) Hit 90° for the first time on the 11th! Saw my first tornado in 3 years on Father's Day southeast of Grand Forks. Heavy rains lead to flooding concerns over much of the valley during the mid and late-month period. Temps above 90 for 3 days straight from the 23rd through the 25th.
» July: Back to a normal work schedule... and vacation! Traveled to the Black Hills and Badlands of SD from the 26th through the 29th with Lu. Very warm month with 22 days exceeding 80 degrees; 8 of which exceeded 90° F. Ended the month with an extended heat wave (7 of the final 10 days were 91° F or warmer). Set a record high minimum on the 24th. Consecutive Supercells on the 15th resulted in tornadoes, hail, and lots of crop damage to the southern valley. Drove my car into a 3-4 foot excavated road late in the evening on the 31st. Doh!
» August: The car hit 60,000 miles on its odometer on the 1st! Lu packs up and moves to Pittsburgh, much to my disappointment. I still miss having her around, even today... More vacation! Spent two weeks from the 17th to 31st back home in Indiana. Large tornado hits Northwood, ND on the 26th in a Greensburg-ish fashion.
» September: Lost cell phone (an LG Chocolate, no less) reappears on eBay (evidently) and was able to retrieve it from a local Verizon store, where someone had brought it in attempt to reactivate it. I never thought I would ever see it again...
» October: Birthday (Matt - version 29) on the 30th... Blah!
» November: My mother and stepfather visit for Thanksgiving. Fell below zero for the first time on the evening of the 26th.
» December: Last payment (#63) on the car! All mine! Received a total of 6 inches of snow on the weekend of the 1st, then had an additional 8 inches on the 4th. Unfortunately, that snow-cover is still with us.
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's wife had her second child; a little girl named Myah... Cute as a button!
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, no...
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
Once again, I wish I would have been able to save more money... And wish I would have been able to date more. Maybe this year, eh? ;) Work on my web-cam project.
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Subscribing to Match.com without really using it... Eating... ;)
9_ What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A World Series from the Chicago Cubs! A committed relationship with someone special...
10_ What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
February 4, 2007: The Super Bowl win from the Colts... I'll never forget it!
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
Groceries... A ceiling fan for my bedroom, season DVD's of "The Office," and a Paper Shredder.
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
I didn't get the lens I so badly wanted for the camera in 2007. Although, early in 2008, I already have it on order! :) The mic that I still need for my mobile amateur radio-rig. A pelican case for the XT.
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Had dinner at Texas Roadhouse with Emily, then went to the Down Under with Shaw and Heather for drinks.
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing another tornado - one that didn't last 45 seconds! ;)
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Pictures for the walls in my apartment... The season DVD's for "The Office." Watch them all the time...
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Probably my sister...
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There's been a couple of lady-friends (that will go unnamed) that I've met that have done some very selfish things, to purposefully hurt me. I've since brushed them off and am moving on. I can't get all worked up and angry about the past.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Much happier... For once in my life, I have a great opportunity to save some money and become more financially secure. 2008, I'm pumped!
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I'm somewhat thinner, but looking at me, you'd probably never notice. My weight at the end of 2007 was about 6 pounds less than at that point last year.
20_ Richer or poorer?
Somewhat richer... Not having a car payment pays dividends! :)
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
Knocked Up... Hilarious movie! You, Me and Dupree (mmm, Kate Hudson)
22_ What was your favorite TV program(s)?
The Office, Family Guy, SportsCenter...
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Embassy - an awesome band from Ohio!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Casual... and whatever felt comfortable...
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Emily... She's really nice and is a pretty good friend - even though we haven't hung out in a quite a while. I really need to...
» Sheffield... She's a new co-worker at Meridian. Really cool to hang out and chat with...
» Jason... Another co-worker... Cool guy and just found out recently that he lives in the same apt. complex as me, so we may hang out a little more than before...
26_ How many different boys did you kiss in 2007?
Hah, ummm, that would be none!
27_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2007?
Two
28_ How many boys did you have sex with in 2007?
That would be another ZERO!
29_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2007?
Sadly, not even close to an integer... ;)
30_ Did you fall in love in 2007?
Not really...
31_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my car paid off, most certainly... Am fairly proud of my work with the web-cam project, though. I was able to really put some serious time into it this past year.
32_ What was your biggest failure?
Shedding the pounds I wanted to and keeping them off. I haven't exercised much at all this past fall and winter and I've splurged on junk food way too much recently.
33_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
If you call a credit card company to bitch about your interest rate, they CAN lower it for you! :) A VERY valuable lesson I learned from my brother-in-law.
34_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"Life for you, has been less than kind
So take a number, stand in line
We've all been sorry, we've all been hurt
But how we survive, is what makes us who we are"
:: Survive - Rise Against
There's been a lot of ups and downs in this past year. But in the end, I'm in a much better place today. This sums things up rather well...
A bid adieu to 2007...
Welcome 2008!
Edit: 01/09/08 at 8:37 PM CST
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