My annual yearly review is way over due. I had meant to post this several weeks ago! Anyhow, read on, enjoy, and have some laughs at my expense. There were obviously ups and downs in 2008, but I found it pretty much a plateau in my life. Maybe 2009 can change all that!
1_ What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
For the first time, I went on an extended camping/hiking trip. It was quite an experience to do some off-trail hiking in the South Dakota Badlands and hiking up Harney Peak was pretty damn cool in the Black Hills. It was rather cool to be camping in early September in the western hills, but it was fun and a great experience to share with some friends and co-workers. We're already planning on returning in '09!
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2008?
I actually did, for the most part. I made resolutions last year at this time to get old debt paid off to my father (which I did in August) and I was able to shed some pounds over the summer and have been able to keep if off, mostly. My weight, I've found, fluctuates. I was able to shed off about 5-8 pounds over the summer mostly from just eating a more healthy diet. I didn't really get out and exercise as much as I wanted to. And what I got down to in July, I've been able to stay at for most of the remainder of the year. And of course, the "meeting someone" resolution I set for myself every year... didn't pan out. Will it ever?
Either way, it's a resolution once again this year... along with trying to cut out candy and chocolate completely out of my diet, building up some net worth (my savings account!), and getting a few things fixed on my car. The cruise control hasn't worked in over 2 years now and I need new tires. Hopefully, these are things I will be able to have fixed at some point this year.
3_ What places did you visit?
I made it out storm chasing with my college buddies in late May and early June, so I was able to visit the southern and central plains once again. We chased some in extreme northeastern Texas, parts of Oklahoma, most of Kansas, northeastern Colorado and over central and eastern parts of Nebraska. As said above, I also made a return to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and, of course, my return home to Indiana in August.
4_ What events marked 2008?
» January: Nearly reached 40 degrees on the 6th with a high of 39° then went on an extended cold snap from the 13th through the 25th. Several days therein where we didn't get above zero for high temperatures! Watched the Colts lose to the Chargers in the first round of the NFL Playoffs on the 13th. One of the most extensive Severe Thunderstorm Warnings I've ever seen on the 29th.
» February: Very extensive Super Tuesday severe weather outbreak on the 5th. One of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in decades. Arctic outbreak from the 18th through the 22nd brought record lows to Fargo and Grand Forks... Watched another Manning win Super Bowl XLII! Writer's Strike continues still, after 2-3 months... Network television still sucks and I start having withdrawals with no new episodes of "The Office." Also, had a photo of mine show up as "Photo of the Day" on the 22nd on Webshots. Quite an honor!
» March: Major winter storm pounds the lower Ohio Valley on the 8th... Hit the 40° mark for the first time on the 18th, then greeted fairly rudely for Spring, with a fairly intense snow-storm. Still waiting for my stimulus check! :)
» April: A few intense snow-storms hit the area (mainly to the south and east of GFK) on the 5-6th (Story 1 | Story 2), the 11th and the 25-26th. Hit 50° for the first time in 2008 on the 2nd, and passed 60° for the first time on the 15th with a high of 70°! Funny that these are significant events, huh? ;) Northern Plains Convective Workshop in Bismarck from the 7th to the 9th - enjoyed a couple nights in the hot tub at the hotel! The first observed thunderstorm of the year on the afternoon of the 21st. Opening day for major league baseball on the 1st... and what became the start of a great season for the Chicago Cubs. A fairly significant (5.4 on the Richter Scale) earthquake rattled the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley on the 18th, much to a lot of people's surprise. Lots going on in April!
» May: Victim of identity theft on the 3rd... of which, I wasn't pleased with. Departed for the plains for a week of chasing with my college buddies early on the 25th. Chased through the 31st. Hit 80° for the first time on the 16th! Summer is near! Still awaiting that damn stimulus check!
» June: Finally received that coveted stimulus check. I purchased GRLevel3 (finally!) with it, along with a GPS receiver, Street Atlas '09 and signed up for broadband access through Verizon. My chase expeditions were never the same! :) Start receiving some Office shifts at work (of which I was able to work rather extensively on the WeatherCam Network this summer). First semi-local chase on the 26th found myself and a few co-workers west of Bismarck on a few nice storms. Fairly extensive warm period from the 17th through the end of the month with 10 of 14 days 80° or better. Long-tracked, damaging tornadoes over Northwestern Minnesota on the 6th.
» July: Active pattern remains for the first two weeks of the month with several days of chasing... (the 1st, 7th, 10th and 11th). Hit 91° for the first 90-degree day of the summer. Warm month with 21 days at 80° or warmer! Pulled my right-quad on the 25th playing softball. Something I hope never happens again. Ouchy! Gas prices spike above $4.00 a gallon for the first time ever in my lifetime.
» August: Another warm month with 21 more days of 80° or warmer. A heat wave from the 16th through the 21st saw five days above 85°. Got inspired by Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" and started my own "Daily Favorites" on the 2nd... Only lasted a couple of months before I started forgetting to do them. ;) My trip home to Indiana from the 8th through the 18th. A low of 39° on the 24th was a cruel reminder that fall and winter isn't far off, at all.
» September: The aforementioned camping/hiking trip to the Badlands and Black Hills with my brother-in-law and a few co-workers! Spent four days on the roads and trails, from the 5th through the 8th. The 15th, which will go down in infamy... Carlos Zambrano throws the first no-hitter by a Cubs pitcher in nearly 30 years. Cubbies still in first place and are looking for a truly dominate season in the NL-Central. Had the ECM replaced in the car late in the month - ran like new for another month or so.
» October: The Cubbies blow it... Again... In the first round of the Post-Season getting swept by the Dodgers... This has GOT to stop! Heavy rains from the 10th through the 13th dropped over 2 inches of rain across the area. Then had our first snow on the morning of the 26th. Low temperatures back into the 20's on also on the 26th. Bleh, winter's back already. Your's truly turns the big 3-0... on the 30th.
» November: The Election! Finally, no more stinkin' commercials! Renewed love for Carah Faye Charnow early in the month; which actually still continues... While overall, it was a cool month, we did experience thunderstorms on the 5th with heavy rains continuing through the 6th... We saw close to 2 inches of rain over the course of 3 days. Saw Rise Against in concert on the 13th!! A great show which was then followed by a distance record in my car! ;)
» December: Rocked out again, seeing Disturbed at the Alerus on the 9th. Then saw Blizzard 'Ali' move through the area that next weekend. Due to the snow-pack and continued train of Alberta Clippers throughout the month, it was a very cold one. Twelve days of single digits or colder high temperatures! Winters really do suck up here!
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope...
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Nope...
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
Work on my web-cam project... Exercise... Sex... ;)
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Dwelling on things that annoy me. ;)
9_ What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A meaningful relationship, as always! More money in my savings account.
10_ What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
October 30, 2008 - when I finally became "old." I don't necessarily want to remember it, but I will.
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
The Dark Knight DVD, a new cell phone, and a few toys for chasing... I wanted an appt. at a Chiropractor which I got finally at the end of December! It helped, tremendously!
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
I still haven't bought that mic for the mobile rig in my car. Maybe I'll finally get around to that in 2009! A new TV, couch, or TV stand...
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Shaw and Kat took me out to O'Really's for a night of heavy drinking. Too many shots of liquor to remember who exactly was there with us, but it was a good way to downplay that big 3-0.
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having a naked, hot chick in bed with me. Hah!
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Oh, it's a real toss up between the Street Atlas 2009, the GPS, or the GRLevel-3. Or a combination of all three. ;)
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I'm sure my sister once again, tops this list.
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I've had one person in mind for quite a while, but I won't say who or why. They know. Probably.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Sadder... My cousin lost his little girl just two weeks into 2009 and since I was able to go home to spend time with him and his wife and my family during the entire ordeal, I've had to really think about where my future is going to take me. Let's just say if the economy wasn't so shitty, I may have decided differently where my 2009 will likely end.
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I'm actually about the same. Even though I exercised less in 2008 than I have in the two years before, I was able to maintain a stable weight. I haven't exceeded 162 pounds, but also, haven't been under 155 in over a year.
20_ Richer or poorer?
Richer... The lack of a car payment is still helping! Add to that, cheaper insurance!
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
The Dark Knight! Wall-e
22_ What was your favorite TV program(s)?
Pretty much the same... The Office, Family Guy, SportsCenter...
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Versant - Carah's new band! Found out about them late in 2008 and still awaiting the CD. It'll be awesome, I'm sure! Was also introduced to Rev Theory at a concert in August back home in Indiana. They were pretty kick-ass live!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Became a little more stylish by fall... bought a lot of new clothes after my birthday. Print T-shirts and jeans, mostly.
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Kelsey... We were on and off-again for a while and even though we're no longer together, I still consider her my best friend outside of work.
» Caitlin... A co-worker and a fellow Valpo graduate. We reminisce about our Valpo days occasionally, plus, she's a blast to drink with.
» Tim... He brews his own beer! How much cooler can you be?
26_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2008?
Two
27_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2008?
None... still...
28_ Did you fall in love in 2008?
Fictionally, yes...
29_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my father paid off. He had covered a $2,000 medical bill for me a few years ago and I was finally able to save up the money to get him paid off. It felt great to give it all back.
30_ What was your biggest failure?
Getting tires for my car or getting my cruise control fixed. Both, desperately needed!
31_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Stretch before playing softball! ;)
32_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"I need to wait, I just can't stop
it seems the dream has met a guillotine I never saw coming
I can't believe, you let it drop"
:: Orbit - Embassy
I met women in 2008, yes, but they consistently never gave me a chance. I'm hoping 2009 will reverse this funk I've been in. It's to a point where it almost feels unhealthy, that haven't been in a committed relationship in over 8 years!
1_ What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
For the first time, I went on an extended camping/hiking trip. It was quite an experience to do some off-trail hiking in the South Dakota Badlands and hiking up Harney Peak was pretty damn cool in the Black Hills. It was rather cool to be camping in early September in the western hills, but it was fun and a great experience to share with some friends and co-workers. We're already planning on returning in '09!
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2008?
I actually did, for the most part. I made resolutions last year at this time to get old debt paid off to my father (which I did in August) and I was able to shed some pounds over the summer and have been able to keep if off, mostly. My weight, I've found, fluctuates. I was able to shed off about 5-8 pounds over the summer mostly from just eating a more healthy diet. I didn't really get out and exercise as much as I wanted to. And what I got down to in July, I've been able to stay at for most of the remainder of the year. And of course, the "meeting someone" resolution I set for myself every year... didn't pan out. Will it ever?
Either way, it's a resolution once again this year... along with trying to cut out candy and chocolate completely out of my diet, building up some net worth (my savings account!), and getting a few things fixed on my car. The cruise control hasn't worked in over 2 years now and I need new tires. Hopefully, these are things I will be able to have fixed at some point this year.
3_ What places did you visit?
I made it out storm chasing with my college buddies in late May and early June, so I was able to visit the southern and central plains once again. We chased some in extreme northeastern Texas, parts of Oklahoma, most of Kansas, northeastern Colorado and over central and eastern parts of Nebraska. As said above, I also made a return to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and, of course, my return home to Indiana in August.
4_ What events marked 2008?
» January: Nearly reached 40 degrees on the 6th with a high of 39° then went on an extended cold snap from the 13th through the 25th. Several days therein where we didn't get above zero for high temperatures! Watched the Colts lose to the Chargers in the first round of the NFL Playoffs on the 13th. One of the most extensive Severe Thunderstorm Warnings I've ever seen on the 29th.
» February: Very extensive Super Tuesday severe weather outbreak on the 5th. One of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in decades. Arctic outbreak from the 18th through the 22nd brought record lows to Fargo and Grand Forks... Watched another Manning win Super Bowl XLII! Writer's Strike continues still, after 2-3 months... Network television still sucks and I start having withdrawals with no new episodes of "The Office." Also, had a photo of mine show up as "Photo of the Day" on the 22nd on Webshots. Quite an honor!
» March: Major winter storm pounds the lower Ohio Valley on the 8th... Hit the 40° mark for the first time on the 18th, then greeted fairly rudely for Spring, with a fairly intense snow-storm. Still waiting for my stimulus check! :)
» April: A few intense snow-storms hit the area (mainly to the south and east of GFK) on the 5-6th (Story 1 | Story 2), the 11th and the 25-26th. Hit 50° for the first time in 2008 on the 2nd, and passed 60° for the first time on the 15th with a high of 70°! Funny that these are significant events, huh? ;) Northern Plains Convective Workshop in Bismarck from the 7th to the 9th - enjoyed a couple nights in the hot tub at the hotel! The first observed thunderstorm of the year on the afternoon of the 21st. Opening day for major league baseball on the 1st... and what became the start of a great season for the Chicago Cubs. A fairly significant (5.4 on the Richter Scale) earthquake rattled the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley on the 18th, much to a lot of people's surprise. Lots going on in April!
» May: Victim of identity theft on the 3rd... of which, I wasn't pleased with. Departed for the plains for a week of chasing with my college buddies early on the 25th. Chased through the 31st. Hit 80° for the first time on the 16th! Summer is near! Still awaiting that damn stimulus check!
» June: Finally received that coveted stimulus check. I purchased GRLevel3 (finally!) with it, along with a GPS receiver, Street Atlas '09 and signed up for broadband access through Verizon. My chase expeditions were never the same! :) Start receiving some Office shifts at work (of which I was able to work rather extensively on the WeatherCam Network this summer). First semi-local chase on the 26th found myself and a few co-workers west of Bismarck on a few nice storms. Fairly extensive warm period from the 17th through the end of the month with 10 of 14 days 80° or better. Long-tracked, damaging tornadoes over Northwestern Minnesota on the 6th.
» July: Active pattern remains for the first two weeks of the month with several days of chasing... (the 1st, 7th, 10th and 11th). Hit 91° for the first 90-degree day of the summer. Warm month with 21 days at 80° or warmer! Pulled my right-quad on the 25th playing softball. Something I hope never happens again. Ouchy! Gas prices spike above $4.00 a gallon for the first time ever in my lifetime.
» August: Another warm month with 21 more days of 80° or warmer. A heat wave from the 16th through the 21st saw five days above 85°. Got inspired by Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" and started my own "Daily Favorites" on the 2nd... Only lasted a couple of months before I started forgetting to do them. ;) My trip home to Indiana from the 8th through the 18th. A low of 39° on the 24th was a cruel reminder that fall and winter isn't far off, at all.
» September: The aforementioned camping/hiking trip to the Badlands and Black Hills with my brother-in-law and a few co-workers! Spent four days on the roads and trails, from the 5th through the 8th. The 15th, which will go down in infamy... Carlos Zambrano throws the first no-hitter by a Cubs pitcher in nearly 30 years. Cubbies still in first place and are looking for a truly dominate season in the NL-Central. Had the ECM replaced in the car late in the month - ran like new for another month or so.
» October: The Cubbies blow it... Again... In the first round of the Post-Season getting swept by the Dodgers... This has GOT to stop! Heavy rains from the 10th through the 13th dropped over 2 inches of rain across the area. Then had our first snow on the morning of the 26th. Low temperatures back into the 20's on also on the 26th. Bleh, winter's back already. Your's truly turns the big 3-0... on the 30th.
» November: The Election! Finally, no more stinkin' commercials! Renewed love for Carah Faye Charnow early in the month; which actually still continues... While overall, it was a cool month, we did experience thunderstorms on the 5th with heavy rains continuing through the 6th... We saw close to 2 inches of rain over the course of 3 days. Saw Rise Against in concert on the 13th!! A great show which was then followed by a distance record in my car! ;)
» December: Rocked out again, seeing Disturbed at the Alerus on the 9th. Then saw Blizzard 'Ali' move through the area that next weekend. Due to the snow-pack and continued train of Alberta Clippers throughout the month, it was a very cold one. Twelve days of single digits or colder high temperatures! Winters really do suck up here!
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope...
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Nope...
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
Work on my web-cam project... Exercise... Sex... ;)
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Dwelling on things that annoy me. ;)
9_ What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A meaningful relationship, as always! More money in my savings account.
10_ What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
October 30, 2008 - when I finally became "old." I don't necessarily want to remember it, but I will.
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
The Dark Knight DVD, a new cell phone, and a few toys for chasing... I wanted an appt. at a Chiropractor which I got finally at the end of December! It helped, tremendously!
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
I still haven't bought that mic for the mobile rig in my car. Maybe I'll finally get around to that in 2009! A new TV, couch, or TV stand...
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Shaw and Kat took me out to O'Really's for a night of heavy drinking. Too many shots of liquor to remember who exactly was there with us, but it was a good way to downplay that big 3-0.
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having a naked, hot chick in bed with me. Hah!
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Oh, it's a real toss up between the Street Atlas 2009, the GPS, or the GRLevel-3. Or a combination of all three. ;)
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I'm sure my sister once again, tops this list.
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I've had one person in mind for quite a while, but I won't say who or why. They know. Probably.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Sadder... My cousin lost his little girl just two weeks into 2009 and since I was able to go home to spend time with him and his wife and my family during the entire ordeal, I've had to really think about where my future is going to take me. Let's just say if the economy wasn't so shitty, I may have decided differently where my 2009 will likely end.
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I'm actually about the same. Even though I exercised less in 2008 than I have in the two years before, I was able to maintain a stable weight. I haven't exceeded 162 pounds, but also, haven't been under 155 in over a year.
20_ Richer or poorer?
Richer... The lack of a car payment is still helping! Add to that, cheaper insurance!
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
The Dark Knight! Wall-e
22_ What was your favorite TV program(s)?
Pretty much the same... The Office, Family Guy, SportsCenter...
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Versant - Carah's new band! Found out about them late in 2008 and still awaiting the CD. It'll be awesome, I'm sure! Was also introduced to Rev Theory at a concert in August back home in Indiana. They were pretty kick-ass live!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Became a little more stylish by fall... bought a lot of new clothes after my birthday. Print T-shirts and jeans, mostly.
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Kelsey... We were on and off-again for a while and even though we're no longer together, I still consider her my best friend outside of work.
» Caitlin... A co-worker and a fellow Valpo graduate. We reminisce about our Valpo days occasionally, plus, she's a blast to drink with.
» Tim... He brews his own beer! How much cooler can you be?
26_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2008?
Two
27_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2008?
None... still...
28_ Did you fall in love in 2008?
Fictionally, yes...
29_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my father paid off. He had covered a $2,000 medical bill for me a few years ago and I was finally able to save up the money to get him paid off. It felt great to give it all back.
30_ What was your biggest failure?
Getting tires for my car or getting my cruise control fixed. Both, desperately needed!
31_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Stretch before playing softball! ;)
32_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"I need to wait, I just can't stop
it seems the dream has met a guillotine I never saw coming
I can't believe, you let it drop"
:: Orbit - Embassy
I met women in 2008, yes, but they consistently never gave me a chance. I'm hoping 2009 will reverse this funk I've been in. It's to a point where it almost feels unhealthy, that haven't been in a committed relationship in over 8 years!
0 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
- Signed: Matthew Hartman
- Filed under survey .
I filled out this little survey for fun earlier today over in Facebook, but figured I would share it here. Shocking that the songs actually worked for several of these!
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle. (I used Winamp - don't have an iPod!)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the memo as well as the person you got the memo from.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"If I Close My Eyes Forever" - Ozzy and Lita Ford... Hmmm...
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Hello" - Evanesence... "I am your mind - giving you someone to talk to" is in the lyrics... Pretty close!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Little Bits of Lightning" - Martina McBride... Whatever "lightning" refers to, sure! ;)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Remedy" - Seether... I am finally getting over that nasty cold from a couple weeks ago...
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Rock Me Amadeus" - Falco... Hmm, I'm not sure what to think of that.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Amish Paradise" - Weird Al... Hah!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Redundant" - Green Day... That's not good. Crap!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"The Road and the Radio" - Kenny Chesney... The road (traveling), very much so. Not so much about the radio...
WHAT IS 2+2?
"Never Gonna Stop Us Now" - Starship... Um, whatever that means...
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Love Bites" - Def Leppard... Hahah...
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Stricken" - Disturbed... "stricken, and can't let you go..." I'd say that's about right!
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Boys of Summer" - Don Henley... Maybe.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Too Much Fun" - Darryl Singletary... Hahah, listen to it, you'll get it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Everytime We Touch" - Cascada... Somewhat, I suppose...
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Outside" - Staind... Hah, interesting... Very interesting...
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"You and Only You" - John Berry... Not too bad a choice, I guess.
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Should Have Been a Cowboy" - Toby Keith... Hahaha, nice!
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERSTS/HOBBIES?
"Watch the Wind Go By" - Tim McGraw... Shocking, how well this is working... ;)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Kiss Me Deadly" - Lita Ford... Hmmm....
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Freak on a Leash" - Korn... Wow, really?
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"When God Fearing Women Get The Blues" - Martina McBride... Heh, fitting, I guess...
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Sick Love Song" - Motley Crue... From being sickly in love? Is that what it means? Well, damn!
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"You're My Better Half" - Keith Urban... Not sure I agree with that.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"The Stroke" - Billy Squier... Can't argue with that! Hahah...
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Men in Black" - Will Smith... You can't make this stuff up. Honest, it came up!
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"It's My Time" - Martina McBride... WOW! Honest to god, it played!
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Yes" - Coldplay... Hmmm, not sure where to go with that one.
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Sarah" - Edward Sheamur (KPAX OST)... wow, I know a few Sarah's, actually....
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Roam" - B-52's... I take it this has to do with some sort of travel...
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Wrong Way" - Sublime... A mis-match, for sure!
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Seek Up" - Dave Matthews Band
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle. (I used Winamp - don't have an iPod!)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the memo as well as the person you got the memo from.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"If I Close My Eyes Forever" - Ozzy and Lita Ford... Hmmm...
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Hello" - Evanesence... "I am your mind - giving you someone to talk to" is in the lyrics... Pretty close!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Little Bits of Lightning" - Martina McBride... Whatever "lightning" refers to, sure! ;)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Remedy" - Seether... I am finally getting over that nasty cold from a couple weeks ago...
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Rock Me Amadeus" - Falco... Hmm, I'm not sure what to think of that.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Amish Paradise" - Weird Al... Hah!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Redundant" - Green Day... That's not good. Crap!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"The Road and the Radio" - Kenny Chesney... The road (traveling), very much so. Not so much about the radio...
WHAT IS 2+2?
"Never Gonna Stop Us Now" - Starship... Um, whatever that means...
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"Love Bites" - Def Leppard... Hahah...
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Stricken" - Disturbed... "stricken, and can't let you go..." I'd say that's about right!
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"Boys of Summer" - Don Henley... Maybe.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Too Much Fun" - Darryl Singletary... Hahah, listen to it, you'll get it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Everytime We Touch" - Cascada... Somewhat, I suppose...
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"Outside" - Staind... Hah, interesting... Very interesting...
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"You and Only You" - John Berry... Not too bad a choice, I guess.
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Should Have Been a Cowboy" - Toby Keith... Hahaha, nice!
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERSTS/HOBBIES?
"Watch the Wind Go By" - Tim McGraw... Shocking, how well this is working... ;)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Kiss Me Deadly" - Lita Ford... Hmmm....
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Freak on a Leash" - Korn... Wow, really?
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"When God Fearing Women Get The Blues" - Martina McBride... Heh, fitting, I guess...
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Sick Love Song" - Motley Crue... From being sickly in love? Is that what it means? Well, damn!
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"You're My Better Half" - Keith Urban... Not sure I agree with that.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"The Stroke" - Billy Squier... Can't argue with that! Hahah...
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"Men in Black" - Will Smith... You can't make this stuff up. Honest, it came up!
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
"It's My Time" - Martina McBride... WOW! Honest to god, it played!
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Yes" - Coldplay... Hmmm, not sure where to go with that one.
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Sarah" - Edward Sheamur (KPAX OST)... wow, I know a few Sarah's, actually....
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Roam" - B-52's... I take it this has to do with some sort of travel...
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Wrong Way" - Sublime... A mis-match, for sure!
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Seek Up" - Dave Matthews Band
0 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
- Signed: Matthew Hartman
- Filed under survey .
This is actually pretty funny... I filled out this personality quiz thing online earlier and got the result back:
About Your Personality TypePretty shocking, to say the least. I'd say it hit my personality right on the button. And boy, pretty ironic to read that last paragraph. Especially, since this last "person of interest" fall right under this category! :)
There is usually one thing on you mind: relationships. Your ability to create and sustain meaningful and loving relationships is an integral part of your happiness, or lack thereof. Whether you are dealing with people on a business, friendship, family, or romantic level, you place a great value on developing quality relationships and making sure they are always improving.
ENFJ when in love
As an Extraverted Feeler, you absolutely love to communicate with your mate - verbally expressing feelings of affection and tenderness and discovering what your partner really values. You also tend to have a consuming desire to spend time with your soul mate; you can barely stand it when he or she is away. Although you probably have many friends, you want to include your mate in you social life as much as possible. The danger: Your 100 percent emotional investment in your loved one may leave you feeling overextended - lacking the energy to take care of your own needs because you are so busy taking care of your lover’s.
ENFJ where to meet
Where can you meet a Growth Teacher? You can find the Growth Teacher in leadership positions in business, teaching, and government. They have terrific social skills and are easy to approach.
1 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
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
0 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
Well I did this last year, to sum up things from my life and such over the course of 2005, so I figured I would do the same this year. Not much excitement, but I'll try my best to entertain everyone! So, if you're curious how 2006 treated your's truly, read on...
1_ What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I met someone in August and developed a relationship with this woman very quickly. It was great while it lasted, but it was so unlike me to jump into anything like that so fast. It was something I hadn't ever done before and to some degree I realize now that we should have let things develop much more slowly. I'm very happy, though, that we are still really good friends and that we can still hang out without that awkwardness...
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2006?
Well, by looking back at what I had made as resolutions last year at this time, I think I followed up on most of them. I was much more active this past year, I took much better advantage of time off work this past year, and I did meet a couple of women over the course of the year and one that I can say I had a semi-serious relationship with. One that I didn't follow up on was increased participation in the NWA (Nat'l Weather Association). It's still something I really want to do someday, but I guess at this point in my life, I feel I have bigger priorities to take care of. My resolutions this year are to remain active, exercise more, and to take much better care of myself (financially) this year. I have two MAJOR bills I'll be able to pay off this year in my car and in one of my student loans. By the end of the year, I'm hoping to be able to REALLY start saving some cash...!
3_ What places did you visit?
In April, I traveled to Aberdeen, SD for the Northern Plains Convective Workshop... I hadn't ever been to Aberdeen, so it was a wonderful experience to visit the city and to learn a lot at the workshop. I also went back home to visit family and friends at the beginning of August for two entire weeks, then returned to Indiana once again for Christmas.
4_ What events marked 2006?
» January: Warmest Jan. on record here in the Forks! (Our coldest temperature for the entire month was -3°F on the 9th)
» February: We followed up the warmest Jan with a very cold month. (Low temperatures of -10°F or colder 14 days out of the month and had lows of -20 or colder for a stretch from the 15th through the 18th.) A real slap in the face, compared to what he been spoiled with up until this month!
» April: Record flooding along the Red River of the North through a good portion of the first of the month and the Nrn Plains Convective Workshop (17-19th)
» May-August: An unusually hot summer and very dry! We were under moderate to severe drought conditions through much of the summer...
» June: A couple of very good chasing days... June 5th being the best, with several mini-supercells just west of the valley.
» July: Under grips from a severe heat wave... (22 days of 85°F or better!)
» August: Continued heat (9 more sultry days of 85° or better), but did cool down just in time (back in Indiana) for my annual trip back home on the 4th. Was back home from the 4th through the 18th! Great times at the lake with friends on the weekend of the 4th! Met Lu Zhang on the 23rd and have been great friends ever since!
» August-December: Hiring spree at Meridian! Five new hires in the course of 5 months!
» October: Celebrated my 28th Birthday on the 30th - went through a depressed state for a 2-3 day stretch at how close "30" is becoming and how unfulfilled my life seemed. hah!
»: December: A bit more depression at how poor I really am...
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's wife had her baby (Zoey!) in late Feb. She was 2 months premature, but she's as healthy as can be, now! And very cute!
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Knock on wood, no... I had a member of the family die on my mother's side, but it was a distant relative that I wasn't ever that close to.
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
I exercised much more that I ever have, but I wished I would have done more. I lost almost 15 pounds over the summer and I would have loved to have lost more! Oh, and as always, wished I would have saved more money!
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Running my air conditioner! It's expensive as hell, but it was also hot as shit up here this past summer...
9_ What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A Super Bowl win for the Colts... A winning season from the Cubs... A meaningful relationship... Cash in my wallet! ;)
10_ What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory?
August 23rd: The day I met Lu for the first time! Even though we only ended up as friends, it's really great to have someone up here to hang out with outside of work.
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
My Digital Rebel XT and even though I didn't technically purchase them, the Emeril Cookware set my sister gave me was something I desperately needed!
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
Oh gosh, too many! A lens for the XT, a replacement mic (for the mobile rig) for the one that was stolen from my car, a new pair of glasses, more things to hang on my walls here in the apt.
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went out for a few drinks with the guys from work... I can't remember where, but I remember having to work at midnight that night, so it couldn't have involved too much alcohol... Boo!
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If Lu and I's relationship would have worked out a little better!
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Most certainly, my Digital Rebel XT. Oh my, have I enjoyed this thing!
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
For likely the 3rd consecutive year, probably my mom... A close second would probably have to be my sister!
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Prez. Bush's... More troops dying in Iraq is something that saddens (and angers!) me more and more everyday.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Slightly happier in that I have more friends that I can actually interact with outside of my co-workers. More recently, though, a little sadder because I've had so many problems with money lately.
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I lost close to 15 pounds over the summer, but since I've likely gained much of that back over the last 2-3 months, I'd say that I'm likely fairly similar in "shape" as I was last year at this time... ;)
20_ Richer or poorer?
Poorer... I haven't been this worse off for an extra buck since I began working as a teenager! Credit card debt is a pain in the ass!
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
"Munich" and "The Departed" were movies I saw this past year that I'll probably purchase at some point in the future! Great movies!
22_ What was your favorite TV program?
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Family Guy, Chapelle's Show, or any football, baseball, or college basketball that happened to be on!
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Flyleaf, Angels and Airwaves, Bullet for my Valentine... All new interests for me over the past year!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Didn't really have one... I just wore whatever felt comfortable! ;)
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Lu was definitely the most important person I met in 2006 as she has become a very close friend here in the Forks...
» Rob G. at work... His personality seems to really mesh well with mine and I just need to hang out with him more and get to know him a little better.
» Same goes for Brett at work... I'd like to hang out with him more, as well. He and I should really get out and ski sometime before the end of winter (if we have the snow to do it and I have the money... heheh)
26_ How many different boys did you kiss in 2006?
Oh, jeesh... none!
27_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2006?
Three, but only two that really meant anything... ;)
28_ How many boys did you have sex with in 2006?
Hah! To take the words from Gigs... "holy homos!"
29_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2006?
"Almost" one... But, kind of glad that didn't happen, given the circumstances now...
30_ Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yeah... :(
31_ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a really strong word, but there is someone that I just can't stand... I tolerate him and "keep the peace" but his personality and mine, DO NOT mesh!
32_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Motivating myself to get my research from college started back up again... I, at least, got some writing started on some data analysis!
33_ What was your biggest failure?
Apparently, providing a "shitty" forecast to our clients in Indiana in early December. In actuality, it wasn't THAT bad of a forecast, but my boss sure made me feel like it was the worst ever.
34_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
That no matter what kind of decisions you make, trust your gut instinct first... Mostly pertains to storm chasing! ;) And that even though, you get along with someone very well, it doesn't make them trustworthy!
35_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"Choreographed and lack of passion
Prototypes of what we were
Went full circle 'til I'm nauseous
Taken for granted now
I waste it, faked it, ate it, now i hate it
'Cause I cannot speak, I lost my voice
I'm speechless and redundant
'Cause I love you's not enough
I'm lost for words."
:: Redundant - Green Day
This past year has been just that... redundant. In many ways, it has felt much of the same thing. With the one exception of actually getting out more and doing more with my time, it really was more routine than anything. ;) We'll see how 2007 goes...
It's a bit late, but Happy 2007 to everyone!
1_ What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I met someone in August and developed a relationship with this woman very quickly. It was great while it lasted, but it was so unlike me to jump into anything like that so fast. It was something I hadn't ever done before and to some degree I realize now that we should have let things develop much more slowly. I'm very happy, though, that we are still really good friends and that we can still hang out without that awkwardness...
2_ Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2006?
Well, by looking back at what I had made as resolutions last year at this time, I think I followed up on most of them. I was much more active this past year, I took much better advantage of time off work this past year, and I did meet a couple of women over the course of the year and one that I can say I had a semi-serious relationship with. One that I didn't follow up on was increased participation in the NWA (Nat'l Weather Association). It's still something I really want to do someday, but I guess at this point in my life, I feel I have bigger priorities to take care of. My resolutions this year are to remain active, exercise more, and to take much better care of myself (financially) this year. I have two MAJOR bills I'll be able to pay off this year in my car and in one of my student loans. By the end of the year, I'm hoping to be able to REALLY start saving some cash...!
3_ What places did you visit?
In April, I traveled to Aberdeen, SD for the Northern Plains Convective Workshop... I hadn't ever been to Aberdeen, so it was a wonderful experience to visit the city and to learn a lot at the workshop. I also went back home to visit family and friends at the beginning of August for two entire weeks, then returned to Indiana once again for Christmas.
4_ What events marked 2006?
» January: Warmest Jan. on record here in the Forks! (Our coldest temperature for the entire month was -3°F on the 9th)
» February: We followed up the warmest Jan with a very cold month. (Low temperatures of -10°F or colder 14 days out of the month and had lows of -20 or colder for a stretch from the 15th through the 18th.) A real slap in the face, compared to what he been spoiled with up until this month!
» April: Record flooding along the Red River of the North through a good portion of the first of the month and the Nrn Plains Convective Workshop (17-19th)
» May-August: An unusually hot summer and very dry! We were under moderate to severe drought conditions through much of the summer...
» June: A couple of very good chasing days... June 5th being the best, with several mini-supercells just west of the valley.
» July: Under grips from a severe heat wave... (22 days of 85°F or better!)
» August: Continued heat (9 more sultry days of 85° or better), but did cool down just in time (back in Indiana) for my annual trip back home on the 4th. Was back home from the 4th through the 18th! Great times at the lake with friends on the weekend of the 4th! Met Lu Zhang on the 23rd and have been great friends ever since!
» August-December: Hiring spree at Meridian! Five new hires in the course of 5 months!
» October: Celebrated my 28th Birthday on the 30th - went through a depressed state for a 2-3 day stretch at how close "30" is becoming and how unfulfilled my life seemed. hah!
»: December: A bit more depression at how poor I really am...
5_ Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's wife had her baby (Zoey!) in late Feb. She was 2 months premature, but she's as healthy as can be, now! And very cute!
6_ Did anyone close to you die?
Knock on wood, no... I had a member of the family die on my mother's side, but it was a distant relative that I wasn't ever that close to.
7_ What do you wish you'd done more of?
I exercised much more that I ever have, but I wished I would have done more. I lost almost 15 pounds over the summer and I would have loved to have lost more! Oh, and as always, wished I would have saved more money!
8_ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Running my air conditioner! It's expensive as hell, but it was also hot as shit up here this past summer...
9_ What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A Super Bowl win for the Colts... A winning season from the Cubs... A meaningful relationship... Cash in my wallet! ;)
10_ What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory?
August 23rd: The day I met Lu for the first time! Even though we only ended up as friends, it's really great to have someone up here to hang out with outside of work.
11_ What "things" did you want and get?
My Digital Rebel XT and even though I didn't technically purchase them, the Emeril Cookware set my sister gave me was something I desperately needed!
12_ What "things" did you want and not get?
Oh gosh, too many! A lens for the XT, a replacement mic (for the mobile rig) for the one that was stolen from my car, a new pair of glasses, more things to hang on my walls here in the apt.
13_ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went out for a few drinks with the guys from work... I can't remember where, but I remember having to work at midnight that night, so it couldn't have involved too much alcohol... Boo!
14_ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If Lu and I's relationship would have worked out a little better!
15_ What was the best thing you bought?
Most certainly, my Digital Rebel XT. Oh my, have I enjoyed this thing!
16_ Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
For likely the 3rd consecutive year, probably my mom... A close second would probably have to be my sister!
17_ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Prez. Bush's... More troops dying in Iraq is something that saddens (and angers!) me more and more everyday.
18_ Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
Slightly happier in that I have more friends that I can actually interact with outside of my co-workers. More recently, though, a little sadder because I've had so many problems with money lately.
19_ Thinner or fatter?
I lost close to 15 pounds over the summer, but since I've likely gained much of that back over the last 2-3 months, I'd say that I'm likely fairly similar in "shape" as I was last year at this time... ;)
20_ Richer or poorer?
Poorer... I haven't been this worse off for an extra buck since I began working as a teenager! Credit card debt is a pain in the ass!
21_ What were your favorite films of this year?
"Munich" and "The Departed" were movies I saw this past year that I'll probably purchase at some point in the future! Great movies!
22_ What was your favorite TV program?
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Family Guy, Chapelle's Show, or any football, baseball, or college basketball that happened to be on!
23_ What was your greatest musical discovery?
Flyleaf, Angels and Airwaves, Bullet for my Valentine... All new interests for me over the past year!
24_ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Didn't really have one... I just wore whatever felt comfortable! ;)
25_ Who were the best new people you met?
» Lu was definitely the most important person I met in 2006 as she has become a very close friend here in the Forks...
» Rob G. at work... His personality seems to really mesh well with mine and I just need to hang out with him more and get to know him a little better.
» Same goes for Brett at work... I'd like to hang out with him more, as well. He and I should really get out and ski sometime before the end of winter (if we have the snow to do it and I have the money... heheh)
26_ How many different boys did you kiss in 2006?
Oh, jeesh... none!
27_ How many different girls did you kiss in 2006?
Three, but only two that really meant anything... ;)
28_ How many boys did you have sex with in 2006?
Hah! To take the words from Gigs... "holy homos!"
29_ How many girls did you have sex with in 2006?
"Almost" one... But, kind of glad that didn't happen, given the circumstances now...
30_ Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yeah... :(
31_ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a really strong word, but there is someone that I just can't stand... I tolerate him and "keep the peace" but his personality and mine, DO NOT mesh!
32_ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Motivating myself to get my research from college started back up again... I, at least, got some writing started on some data analysis!
33_ What was your biggest failure?
Apparently, providing a "shitty" forecast to our clients in Indiana in early December. In actuality, it wasn't THAT bad of a forecast, but my boss sure made me feel like it was the worst ever.
34_ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
That no matter what kind of decisions you make, trust your gut instinct first... Mostly pertains to storm chasing! ;) And that even though, you get along with someone very well, it doesn't make them trustworthy!
35_ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
"Choreographed and lack of passion
Prototypes of what we were
Went full circle 'til I'm nauseous
Taken for granted now
I waste it, faked it, ate it, now i hate it
'Cause I cannot speak, I lost my voice
I'm speechless and redundant
'Cause I love you's not enough
I'm lost for words."
:: Redundant - Green Day
This past year has been just that... redundant. In many ways, it has felt much of the same thing. With the one exception of actually getting out more and doing more with my time, it really was more routine than anything. ;) We'll see how 2007 goes...
It's a bit late, but Happy 2007 to everyone!
0 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
I keep finding these short personal survey posts in various blogs and this one seemed fun. Read on...
4 Jobs »
1_ Arby's - The first job I ever had... I eventually began hating the fact that I worked in the fast food industry.
2_ Burger King - Still hating the fast food industry, but all my friends began working here. We always had a blast, but then, of course, they slowly began disappearing.
3_ Scott's Foodstores - A grocery store that, at the time, was THEE place to work if you were a high schooler looking for a decent job. I was your typical carry-out boy; only catering to the lanes with the hot cashiers, to flirt and later, date. ;)
4_ Meridian Environmental Technology - There were other odd and end jobs between Scott's and Meridian, but this is where I'm at currently. It's my first forecasting job I've had and only the second job I've held since college graduation that's had a thing to do with my degree. I love it!
4 Friends »
1_ Justin R. - This guy is the goofiest guy on the planet, but he's still my best friend. He can, quite literally, make you laugh, no matter what mood you're in.
2_ Brian S. - Actually, my cousin, but he's been more of a best-friend and brother to me. We practically grew up together. It's hard to imagine, but the guy just very recently became a daddy to a little girl. And his wife is just one cool girl...! Congrats Amy and Brian!
3_ Steph H. - I can't believe Steph and I have been chatting over the 'net for over 5 years and we've never met. One of these days, we'll meet, and we'll have a blast, I'm sure. She's intelligent, a good person, and is just plain fun to talk to.
4_ Co-workers - I can't pick one in particular, but Jeff, Darrin, Justin S., Brian M. and Amber L. are just a few of my closer friends from work. They're all great people to hang out with and it's nice to have friends that share the same passions and interests.
4 Movies »
1_ National Lampoon's Vacation - One of the funnist damn movies of all time, and right up there within my top 5 all-time favorites. "It's only the biggest god-damn hole in the world..." Heheh
2_ Office Space - Another one of the funniest damn movies of all time. If you've ever had a job that you hated (probably about 99% of the general population) you'll love this movie. "I don't like my job, so I'm just not gonna go anymore..." ;)
3_ Ice Age - One of the greatest animation/cartoon movies ever made. I love all the characters in the movie and it's even got a touching story with Manfred. And who couldn't love the little scrat looking for acorns... ;)
4_ Schindler's List - If you're into the history of the Holocaust as much as I am, you'll love this movie. Powerful and gripping, it's my number one all-time favorite movie.
4 Songs and/or Albums »
1_ Dave Matthew Band / Crash - Probably one of the most recognizable songs ever. The "Crash" album is also likely, one of Dave's monumental albums of his illustrious career.
2_ George Strait / You'll Be There - The fact that this guy is still putting out quality music is a testament to longevity. I love this song and George is right up there at the top of my all-time favorite country artists - if not at #1, it's a close tie with Alabama.
3_ Green Day / American Idiot - Green Day's best-selling and most intense album they have ever recorded. They've deserved every award they've received over the past year and a half for this album. Great stuff...
4_ Disturbed / Ten Thousand Fists - Disturbed's best album yet... Political (what album isn't, these days) but yet hard-hitting and intense.
4 Books »
1_ Night / Elie Wiesel - A gripping account and autobiography from Elie's personal experiences and survival from the German concentration camps. I've got "The Night Trilogy," including "Night" itself, "Dawn" and "The Accident." All, very gripping, well-written stories.
2_ Isaac's Storm / Erik Larsen - Another gripping account/biography... This one about Isaac Cline, one of the most well-respected meteorologists of his time, and his experiences with the great Galveston, TX hurricane of 1900. Wonderfully written and is a great mixture of science and history on what was the nation's greatest natural disaster in terms of loss of life.
3_ Tornado Alley: Monster Storms of the Great Plains / Howard B. Bluestein - One of the defining books on the science of tornadoes and storm chasing.
4_ Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events / Thomas P. Grazulis - A 1000 page encyclopedia of every F-2 or greater tornado recorded since 1680. The must-have book for any severe weather/tornado enthusiast. If anyone has a copy they're selling, please contact me. I don't have it, or it's 1992-1995 supplement... yet!
4 Prized possessions »
1_ Canon Digital Rebel XT - My new toy! I'm loving this thing...
2_ Fender Stratocaster - My secondary hobby... I haven't been playing much recently, but on occasion, like to grab it up and pick away.
3_ DVD Player - Where would I be without my DVD player? I don't even watch that much TV... I'm constantly watching movies and/or through my Friends Complete Season collection (which is now complete - Season 1 through Season 10!).
4_ Mp3 Player - One of the wisest investments I've made over the past year. The purchase was questionable at the time, but now, I take this thing everywhere I go. Too bad it sucks up battery power... the constant buying of AAA batteries gets expensive!
4 Foods »
1_ Frozen strawberries - I used to make fun of my brother-in-law cause he always ate his strawberries frozen, but after living with him and getting hooked on them, myself, I have to "eat" my words.
2_ Strawberry or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream - My two favorite flavors of ice cream. Edy's preferably... ;)
3_ My dad's fried potatoes - I swear my father makes the best fried potatoes ever! I gotta learn his secret. Mine never taste as good as his!
4_ Homemade Chop Suey - Yeah, the way momma made it... ;) This quite possibly may be my favorite dish of all time.
4 Places I've Lived »
1_ Bluffton, Indiana - Born in and lived here for over 20 years.
2_ Valparaiso, Indiana - Lived here while attending Valparaiso University. In some strange way, I miss college...
3_ Fishers, Indiana - Lived with my sister and brother-in-law for about 3 months during 2004. I was unemployed and a job in Fishers was all I could find, at the time. I had a great time living with them... had all kinds of fun!
4_ Grand Forks, North Dakota - Currently living here... Relocated here to pursue my meteorological career. A big move, but it's been great, for the most part.
4 Vacation spots »
1_ Barcelona, Spain - Flew to Barcelona with the Spanish Club at the end of my Senior year in high school. Loved the culture and history of the city. I'd love to go back someday, to experience it on my own.
2_ Cedar Point / Sandusky, Ohio - Who doesn't absolutely love this place? With over 10 great roller coasters and various other excellent aspects, it's the ultimate amusement park. I miss this place... I haven't been there in 3-4 years.
3_ Anywhere on the plains - Storm chasing vacations to the southern and central plains are the greatest. Just driving and experiencing the beauty of the plains and the great supercells that tend to develop there! ;)
4_ Webster Lake / near North Webster, Indiana - One of my friends' parents have a cottage up here, and while it's not necessarily a "vacation" spot, it's a great place to go to get away from it all. It's been an annual thing since 2003 for my friends and I to go up here and spend an entire weekend in August. Tubing and just being out on (or in!) the water and spending time with friends is always great fun!
4 Places I'd rather be »
1_ Storm chasing, what else?
2_ On a beach at Grand Caymen... I have no idea why, but I have this obsession about one day going here.
3_ In a hot tub with a glass of Riesling...
4_ In bed with someone I love... Maybe one of these days... ;)
4 web-sites »
1_ WeatherTap - An excellent radar and satellite resource I use nearly on a daily basis.
2_ College of Dupage - One of the best resources for numerical weather prediction models.
3_ Yahoo! Fantasy Sports - Where I find myself a lot of the time, managing my fantasy hockey/racing/and soon, baseball teams.
4_ Blogger.com - Where I manage my personal blog, of course!
4 Jobs »
1_ Arby's - The first job I ever had... I eventually began hating the fact that I worked in the fast food industry.
2_ Burger King - Still hating the fast food industry, but all my friends began working here. We always had a blast, but then, of course, they slowly began disappearing.
3_ Scott's Foodstores - A grocery store that, at the time, was THEE place to work if you were a high schooler looking for a decent job. I was your typical carry-out boy; only catering to the lanes with the hot cashiers, to flirt and later, date. ;)
4_ Meridian Environmental Technology - There were other odd and end jobs between Scott's and Meridian, but this is where I'm at currently. It's my first forecasting job I've had and only the second job I've held since college graduation that's had a thing to do with my degree. I love it!
4 Friends »
1_ Justin R. - This guy is the goofiest guy on the planet, but he's still my best friend. He can, quite literally, make you laugh, no matter what mood you're in.
2_ Brian S. - Actually, my cousin, but he's been more of a best-friend and brother to me. We practically grew up together. It's hard to imagine, but the guy just very recently became a daddy to a little girl. And his wife is just one cool girl...! Congrats Amy and Brian!
3_ Steph H. - I can't believe Steph and I have been chatting over the 'net for over 5 years and we've never met. One of these days, we'll meet, and we'll have a blast, I'm sure. She's intelligent, a good person, and is just plain fun to talk to.
4_ Co-workers - I can't pick one in particular, but Jeff, Darrin, Justin S., Brian M. and Amber L. are just a few of my closer friends from work. They're all great people to hang out with and it's nice to have friends that share the same passions and interests.
4 Movies »
1_ National Lampoon's Vacation - One of the funnist damn movies of all time, and right up there within my top 5 all-time favorites. "It's only the biggest god-damn hole in the world..." Heheh
2_ Office Space - Another one of the funniest damn movies of all time. If you've ever had a job that you hated (probably about 99% of the general population) you'll love this movie. "I don't like my job, so I'm just not gonna go anymore..." ;)
3_ Ice Age - One of the greatest animation/cartoon movies ever made. I love all the characters in the movie and it's even got a touching story with Manfred. And who couldn't love the little scrat looking for acorns... ;)
4_ Schindler's List - If you're into the history of the Holocaust as much as I am, you'll love this movie. Powerful and gripping, it's my number one all-time favorite movie.
4 Songs and/or Albums »
1_ Dave Matthew Band / Crash - Probably one of the most recognizable songs ever. The "Crash" album is also likely, one of Dave's monumental albums of his illustrious career.
2_ George Strait / You'll Be There - The fact that this guy is still putting out quality music is a testament to longevity. I love this song and George is right up there at the top of my all-time favorite country artists - if not at #1, it's a close tie with Alabama.
3_ Green Day / American Idiot - Green Day's best-selling and most intense album they have ever recorded. They've deserved every award they've received over the past year and a half for this album. Great stuff...
4_ Disturbed / Ten Thousand Fists - Disturbed's best album yet... Political (what album isn't, these days) but yet hard-hitting and intense.
4 Books »
1_ Night / Elie Wiesel - A gripping account and autobiography from Elie's personal experiences and survival from the German concentration camps. I've got "The Night Trilogy," including "Night" itself, "Dawn" and "The Accident." All, very gripping, well-written stories.
2_ Isaac's Storm / Erik Larsen - Another gripping account/biography... This one about Isaac Cline, one of the most well-respected meteorologists of his time, and his experiences with the great Galveston, TX hurricane of 1900. Wonderfully written and is a great mixture of science and history on what was the nation's greatest natural disaster in terms of loss of life.
3_ Tornado Alley: Monster Storms of the Great Plains / Howard B. Bluestein - One of the defining books on the science of tornadoes and storm chasing.
4_ Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events / Thomas P. Grazulis - A 1000 page encyclopedia of every F-2 or greater tornado recorded since 1680. The must-have book for any severe weather/tornado enthusiast. If anyone has a copy they're selling, please contact me. I don't have it, or it's 1992-1995 supplement... yet!
4 Prized possessions »
1_ Canon Digital Rebel XT - My new toy! I'm loving this thing...
2_ Fender Stratocaster - My secondary hobby... I haven't been playing much recently, but on occasion, like to grab it up and pick away.
3_ DVD Player - Where would I be without my DVD player? I don't even watch that much TV... I'm constantly watching movies and/or through my Friends Complete Season collection (which is now complete - Season 1 through Season 10!).
4_ Mp3 Player - One of the wisest investments I've made over the past year. The purchase was questionable at the time, but now, I take this thing everywhere I go. Too bad it sucks up battery power... the constant buying of AAA batteries gets expensive!
4 Foods »
1_ Frozen strawberries - I used to make fun of my brother-in-law cause he always ate his strawberries frozen, but after living with him and getting hooked on them, myself, I have to "eat" my words.
2_ Strawberry or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream - My two favorite flavors of ice cream. Edy's preferably... ;)
3_ My dad's fried potatoes - I swear my father makes the best fried potatoes ever! I gotta learn his secret. Mine never taste as good as his!
4_ Homemade Chop Suey - Yeah, the way momma made it... ;) This quite possibly may be my favorite dish of all time.
4 Places I've Lived »
1_ Bluffton, Indiana - Born in and lived here for over 20 years.
2_ Valparaiso, Indiana - Lived here while attending Valparaiso University. In some strange way, I miss college...
3_ Fishers, Indiana - Lived with my sister and brother-in-law for about 3 months during 2004. I was unemployed and a job in Fishers was all I could find, at the time. I had a great time living with them... had all kinds of fun!
4_ Grand Forks, North Dakota - Currently living here... Relocated here to pursue my meteorological career. A big move, but it's been great, for the most part.
4 Vacation spots »
1_ Barcelona, Spain - Flew to Barcelona with the Spanish Club at the end of my Senior year in high school. Loved the culture and history of the city. I'd love to go back someday, to experience it on my own.
2_ Cedar Point / Sandusky, Ohio - Who doesn't absolutely love this place? With over 10 great roller coasters and various other excellent aspects, it's the ultimate amusement park. I miss this place... I haven't been there in 3-4 years.
3_ Anywhere on the plains - Storm chasing vacations to the southern and central plains are the greatest. Just driving and experiencing the beauty of the plains and the great supercells that tend to develop there! ;)
4_ Webster Lake / near North Webster, Indiana - One of my friends' parents have a cottage up here, and while it's not necessarily a "vacation" spot, it's a great place to go to get away from it all. It's been an annual thing since 2003 for my friends and I to go up here and spend an entire weekend in August. Tubing and just being out on (or in!) the water and spending time with friends is always great fun!
4 Places I'd rather be »
1_ Storm chasing, what else?
2_ On a beach at Grand Caymen... I have no idea why, but I have this obsession about one day going here.
3_ In a hot tub with a glass of Riesling...
4_ In bed with someone I love... Maybe one of these days... ;)
4 web-sites »
1_ WeatherTap - An excellent radar and satellite resource I use nearly on a daily basis.
2_ College of Dupage - One of the best resources for numerical weather prediction models.
3_ Yahoo! Fantasy Sports - Where I find myself a lot of the time, managing my fantasy hockey/racing/and soon, baseball teams.
4_ Blogger.com - Where I manage my personal blog, of course!
0 conundrum(s) | Have one of your own?
I found this "questionnaire" on one of my frequented blogs recently and thought I'd have some fun with it, as well! Soo, here's the review of my life and those events surrounding it over the past year:
» What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
I decided to drive my car into a 30 foot ravine in early June (just to see how muddy I could get my car!) then proceeded to wait 3 hours for a tow-truck to wench me out. Never have I been stranded in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone coverage, at 4:00 in the morning... ever!
» Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2006?
I can't recall what resolutions I made for 2005, but I'm guessing forming a relationship with a woman was one of them. One, that coincidentally, I did not keep! And yes, I've made a couple of resolutions for 2006 - to be more physically active and to become more active in the National Weather Association; possibly becoming a committee member.
» What places did you visit?
I drove down to Norman, OK in late May to meet up with a few former colleagues for a week-long storm chasing "vacation." Traveled through NM, CO, KS, OK and TX on the trip! Also traveled back to my native Hoosier-land (Indiana, for you laymen) in August to visit family and friends.
» What events marked 2005?
January: Hit 40 below zero on the 5th, then 37 below zero on the 17th. Winter in Grand Forks sucks...
April: First official storm chase as a ND resident on the 18th. Didn't see squat!
August: Traveled home to Indiana to visit family and friends; spent time at Webster Lake with friends during the weekend of the 27th. Hurricane Katrina makes landfall near Buras, LA at 6:10am CDT on the 29th as a strong Cat-3, causing widespread destruction and resulting in 1,383 deaths along the LA, MS and AL coasts. Lowest pressure recorded at 902mb makes it the 6th most intense hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin.
September: Hurricane Rita makes landfall between Sabine Pass, Texas, and Johnson's Bayou, Louisiana, at 2:38 CDT on the 24th as a Cat-3, resulting in 6 deaths and becoming the 4th strongest tropical system ever measured in the Atlantic Basin at 897mb.
October: Hurricane Wilma makes landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula around 1:00am CDT on the 22nd with winds near 140 mph, resulting in near 60 deaths and becoming the most intense tropical system ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin with a central pressure of 882mb... My 27th birthday on the 30th!
November: An F-3 tornado touches down at 1:50am CST in Henderson County (KY) on the 6th, moving northeast into Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties (IN) resulting in 24 deaths; the most deaths resulting from a single tornado since 1998... Hit 2 below zero (first sub-zero temperature of the winter) on the 29th... winter in Grand Forks sucks, again!
December: The Colts first loss of the season on the 18th (Week 15!)
» Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope! My cousin's wife is due late in April 2006, though!
» Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, no!
» What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I had taken more photos over the past year... I would have loved to have done more traveling, taking advantage of days off work... exercising... saving money!
» What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sitting on my couch playing PlayStation... watching my "Friends" DVDs... talking to myself! Heheh
» What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
A relationship...! A Digital Rebel XT... $100 bills in my wallet...
» What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory?
November 7th: When the Colts layed out the New England Patriots in Foxboro! Damn am I glad I taped that game... The Patriots suck!
» What "things" did you want and get?
A power inverter for the car, a window mount for the SLR... haircuts! ;)
» What "thing" did you want and not get?
A Digital Rebel XT, of course...!
» What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to Boston's for drinks with the guys from work... flirted with the waitress some, but never did ask for her number - like the guys wanted me to! ;) I turned a young, 27 yrs old!
» What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Capturing a high-contrast tornado on film or video!
» What was the best thing you bought?
Honestly, the wisest, most justifiable purchase I made this year was my computer desk. It was something I seriously needed! Aside from that, my DVD Player!
» Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
It may be a toss-up between my mom and my best-friend, Justin! My mom tends to call me at least once a week, and even though I call Justin less frequently, I likely spend, at least 1-2 hours on the phone with the guy. Uh-huuuh! ;)
» Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Well, I'm gonna have to agree with my friend, Steph... President George "dubya" Bush! I still believe he's the dumbest president we've ever had.
» Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
I can confidently say, happier... I'm living on my own, supporting myself and am fairly happy that I've finally gotten my career off the ground - and headed in the right direction (hopefully).
» Thinner or fatter?
Slightly fatter, probably... It may not look like it, but I've probably put on some pounds over the past year. What can I say, eating junk food and not exercising does that to a person!
» Richer or poorer?
Poorer... Anyone willing to take over my student loan and/or car payments?
» What were your favorite films of this year?
"Wedding Crashers," "March of the Penguin," "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," and "The Longest Yard."
» What was your favorite TV program?
"Family Guy" and "Monday Night Football," of course! I can't believe how much more I've gotten into the NFL over the past year. Fantasy sports does that, I suppose!
» What was your greatest musical discovery?
That my crush on Martina McBride 1-2 years ago was just plain stupid. Oh, and that with their new album, "Ten Thousand Fists," that Disturbed still rocks!
» How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
Kaki pants/shorts, and print shirts... and flip-flops. I haven't owned a pair of these since I was like 10... Who brought these back, anyway!
» Who were the best new people you met?
Christen - I met this woman off the Internet, but living here in town and being a Grad Student at UND, I was actually able to meet her face-to-face. Very attractive, sweet, and intelligent... you'd think this would sound like someone that I'd have a chance with, but, obviously - it wasn't to be!
» How many different boys did you kiss in 2005?
None!
» How many different girls did you kiss in 2005?
Only one, unfortunately...
» How many boys did you have sex with in 2005?
None! Now go ask Michael Jackson!
» How many girls did you have sex with in 2005?
Ummm, three! The "rule of three" may apply here! *grin
» Did you fall in love in 2005?
Can't say that did...
» Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
The asswipe that lives beneath me, yes! I honestly question his ability to hear the TV and radio that resides in HIS OWN apartment!
» What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Receiving positive feedback from D.O.T. District Managers from both Minnesota and Indiana. It's always great to hear that not only are your weather forecasts verifying, but also that your forecasts are impressing your clients.
» What was your biggest failure?
I'm sad and disappointed in myself to report late to work on a couple occasions over the past year. Neither event was deliberate (unlike my many, many truancies to OnlyInternet during years 2001, 2002, 2003 and early 2004!) and I felt horrible enough to apologize to the boss each time before he even found out!
» Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
Do not take short-cuts when traveling in an unfamiliar area!
» Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Another ditch in the road
You keep moving
Another stop sign
You keep moving on
And the years go by so fast
Wonder how I ever made it through
Two Beds and a Coffee Machine - Savage Garden
There have been some great times through this past year, but there have been some low points as well. While the song itself is about something completely different to what I'm referring to, the chorus here, reminds me that no matter the obstacles, things seem to have a way of working themselves out. And really, as this new year begins, I feel in a lot of ways, that I worked around the obstacles that concerned me the most over the past year and am ready to begin anew. Sooo, bring on 2006! Hop on and ride with me...
Also, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the loss of any loved ones to tornadoes or hurricanes during this tumultuous past year...
» What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
» Did you keep your New Years' resolutions? Will you make more for 2006?
» What places did you visit?
» What events marked 2005?
» Did anyone close to you give birth?
» Did anyone close to you die?
» What do you wish you'd done more of?
» What do you wish you'd done less of?
» What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
» What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory?
» What "things" did you want and get?
» What "thing" did you want and not get?
» What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
» What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
» What was the best thing you bought?
» Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
» Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
» Compared to this time last year, are you......Happier or sadder?
» Thinner or fatter?
» Richer or poorer?
» What were your favorite films of this year?
» What was your favorite TV program?
» What was your greatest musical discovery?
» How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
» Who were the best new people you met?
» How many different boys did you kiss in 2005?
» How many different girls did you kiss in 2005?
» How many boys did you have sex with in 2005?
» How many girls did you have sex with in 2005?
» Did you fall in love in 2005?
» Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
» What was your biggest achievement of the year?
» What was your biggest failure?
» Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
» Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Another ditch in the road
You keep moving
Another stop sign
You keep moving on
And the years go by so fast
Wonder how I ever made it through
Two Beds and a Coffee Machine - Savage Garden
There have been some great times through this past year, but there have been some low points as well. While the song itself is about something completely different to what I'm referring to, the chorus here, reminds me that no matter the obstacles, things seem to have a way of working themselves out. And really, as this new year begins, I feel in a lot of ways, that I worked around the obstacles that concerned me the most over the past year and am ready to begin anew. Sooo, bring on 2006! Hop on and ride with me...
Also, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the loss of any loved ones to tornadoes or hurricanes during this tumultuous past year...
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