2007

I'm not going to go into the world's 2007 retrospective, because I always feel like my version of events is too short-sighted and biased.  Instead, I prefer to make it deliberately self-focused and dispense with any pretense of balance. 

Early in 2007, I made several New Year's Resolutions.  I even put them in my Palm Pilot/Treo as a weekly reminder:

1. Join SIOP and PTC.  I tried to do one, and they didn't process my application in time for the conference (which I attended anyway at a member's price).  In the meantime, my American Psychological Association membership expired, and you have to be a member of that to be a member of SIOP.  I hope to do a better job of this in 2008, especially since the conference is in San Francisco.  Since my company will pay my membership dues to all three organizations, there's really no excuse for what a slacker I've been about this. 

2. See a doctor about my minor back issues.  I'm doing that now.  After starting in December with x-rays, I'm in physical therapy -- better late than never.  The back feels about 50 times better than it has in years, and I'm about to try a long run for the first time in years next week. 

3. See an ear/nose/throat doctor.  Done.  Still waiting for some analysis.

4. Swim at least twice a week.  Kickball killed any chance of this happening, as did my expanding social life after work.  Biking also provided a reason to get out of the pool, but only after I bought a new bike in July. 

Not too shabby, all things considered.  I managed to seek more medical care and take better care of myself in general.  I stopped buying lunch every day and started bringing it.  Those were the biggest missions.  I haven't gotten fully back into performing music yet ...that will be a goal for this year.

In 2007, I turned 30 and came to terms with being single at a time when many of my peers are "nesting."  I went over the 1-year mark at my current job.  I played kickball for the first time, had a moderately good time, and made a few acquaintances along the way.  I got a new bike.  I tried out for a band, and started jamming regularly with friends.  I discovered that a lot has changed since the last time I was in a band: people expect you to have some electronic recording of yourself they can screen before they invite you for a tryout.  I happen to think that's really dumb, because vocals are probably the easiest thing to manipulate in a music recording. 

I was devastated by the completely tragic murder of Washington Redskins Sean Taylor -- and even more outraged by the accompanying media coverage.  The Chris Benoit tragedy was on many levels more troubling; the man had serious brain damage before he undertook his murderous murder-suicide, and the incident shone an unpleasant glare on one of America's seediest professions.  The Virginia Tech shootings stunned everyone.  And frankly, I still can't believe that James Brown died in late 2006. 

I was angered by Michigan's 4th or 5th straight loss to The Team That Shall Not Be Named, and inspired by the Redskins late-season surge and playoff run in honor of their fallen teammate.  I was disappointed when Jason Whitlock morphed into a shill for Fox Sports, and even more saddened by the continued witch hunt on Barry Bonds -- a mission only made slightly easier to swallow by revelations in the Mitchell Report.

Politics offered very little to be thrilled about, either domestically or abroad.  I'm not even going to go into most of it, but I will say this: the recent gas mileage mandate passed by Congress is a pathetic, toothless joke.  We also learned that many of the industrialized world's infrastructures are at risk due to political wrangling and misplaced priorities.  For instance, while everyday Americans rail at 'those wasteful Hurricane Katrina refugees' spending money on TVs instead of food and housing, their elected politicians build new stadiums while allowing poorly-maintained bridges to collapse.  Hypocrisy?  You betcha. 

Friends moved, changed jobs, got engaged, bought homes and had babies.  I got to see some friends' infants, and you know how I love interacting with (but not raising) babies. 

But I digress; this should be more about me.  I am relieved to say that I haven't moved, changed jobs or suffered any other major upheaval in my domestic or professional life this year.  This might be the first year of my entire life that I can say that.  And it feels good. 

Here's to an even more prosperous year in 2008.  Hopefully, my next year-in-review will find me running again, and find the world a little less crazy.  

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