Sunday, January 04, 2009

Retrospective on 2008

What a year... I don't even realize it's 2009 because I have yet to write a date on anything. 2008 Came and went with much ado and was a year of many firsts for me. Here's a list of the big things for me in a somewhat chronological order...

  • Camped out in my hammock in sub-freezing temperatures
  • Helped start a praise and worship band (only to drop out just as I was reaching non-suckage)
  • Met an awesome girl (who will later be my bride-to-be, more on that later)
  • Wrecked my Jeep
  • Saw Angels and Airwaves in concert
  • Completed some awesome website work and actually felt like I was starting my career
  • Launched custom software with my Mom
  • Started dating said awesome girl
  • Went Jeepin' with my boys (the 4d wrangler is a LOT longer—I hit 2 trees)
  • Saw the White House with my own eyes
  • Air and Space Museum!!! (I've wanted to go there since I was a boy)
  • Job interview in the DC area
  • Moved to Washington DC and left previously identified awesome girl in TN
  • Decided to do my part to save the planet and my wallet and bought a really nice bicycle
  • Rode my bike to work for almost 6 weeks total
  • Gained 15 lbs
  • Paid $75 to fill up my Jeep
  • While we're here, paid $25 to fill up my Jeep :D
  • Stood <100 feet below landing aircraft (It's a rush!)
  • Bought a diamond ring
  • Bought a wedding band
  • Got engaged
  • Almost climbed to the top of the Holston High Knob Fire Tower (~80 ft)
  • Watched fireworks from the foot of the Washington Monument on the 4th of July with Mandy
  • Tried Indian food
And some people have been really helpful to me this year... Beyond my Uncles Ben and Tim for their advice, help, and listening ear, Mom's constant support, and all of my family's love and support, I am so very grateful for Andrew for being there for me when it counts, Kyle for always helping me without question, Elliott for putting our friendship before our professional relationship, Greg for being my only real "buddy" in DC, Scott for always keeping our friendship active even if it's been on my sporadic schedule, Tyson for always checking on me, Dale for solid, honest advice, Tanner, Tiffers, and Tori for all their help and support emotionally, and with my engagement, Mandy's parents and her whole family for welcoming me with open arms, and finally...

Mandy, the woman beyond my dreams with whom I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with, thank you for putting up with me.

I'm excited about 2009—It's going to be a big year for the Trout and Wood families and I could not have picked a better family to join or have join mine. I've spent the past week with Mandy working through a relationship Q/A book and making some major life decisions about where we will live and how we're going to pull it off.

My fleeting comment is to please pray for me and Mandy and our relationship, and for me and my current job/company.