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My girl and I started the year out right with a fantastic day at Disneyland. She took a quick pic of me "holding her sunglasses for her" that cracked us both up.
The Haunted Mansion was decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas regalia, and the park was full of happy people enjoying New Year's Day with loved ones.
2008 was a great year, and '09 promises to be even better! Happy New Year, everyone!
I'm a huge fan of the Wheel of Time series, and for some reason I checked on when the final book is expected. Happily, Wikipedia says we can expect the final installment in "late '09". Very cool.
Original Wheel of Time author James Oliver Rigney (under the pen name Robert Jordan) passed away in September of 2007, leaving the task of concluding the series to Brandon Sanderson.
This is sort of "New Year's Resolutions: Appendix A"
I'm adding items to my 2009 day planner already. For September through December. My fourth grade teacher would be stunned.
Here's the low-down:
The notion is that by Dec 1, all plans will be booked, and I can relax and get some time off to enjoy the season, and by about Dec 20, I'll have all my shopping done.
I'm not sure whether I'll manage to make all this happen. But at least having a plan seems like a good idea.
As always, a list of last year's resolutions:
I've markedly reduced my debt, I've stayed in shape, and I've had a great time doing it. I've gone to several concerts (NIN, Smashing Pumpkins, the L.A. Phil, and a fantastic gospel choir performance.) I've also found and enjoyed a lot of great recorded music.
Oddly, it's the stuff that didn't happen that I'm really proud of, because the reason it didn't happen is that it got crowded out by more important stuff.
I have an incredible girlfriend. I've spent more and more time on restorative activity like yoga. Instead of testing for my orange belt in Krav Maga, I learned to snowboard. And I have a great new job.
All in all, it's been a great year. I wouldn't change a thing. So I'm going to keep all the same resolutions for next year, with one new one:
Use up, wear out, make due, or do without. Be frugal. Buy only what I really need. I already have everything I need to have a lot of fun. I don't need a new bike, or new clothes, or a fancy car.
And, of course, there are plenty of really important things that are not even on the list. My loved ones, my job, my health. Those are things that I hope I need no reminders for.
Oh, and while I generally hate "life assessment" quizzes, there's one that I actually like: the Clean Sweep life assessment quiz. My current score is 89.
I got LEGOs for Christmas, which, even at 32, is awesome. I knew as soon as I picked up the box what it was. The sound gave it away. I spent all Saturday afternoon building the AT-AT, and it is really amazing. The thing walks under power from the motor in its belly. And not any kind of half-assed ineffectual shuffle, either. The knees bend, the legs reach forward, and the beast propels itself forward with enough steadiness and ground clearance to step over or on any minifigs in its path, without falling over.
I hope everyone else got what they wanted for Christmas too!
DMG