2008: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

In 2008:

I lost my job of over seven years, formed my own LLC, and before I even started pulling in work, got hired on by what would have been my biggest competitor. I guess in a way it’s a good thing, as I have a steady paycheck, but I still long to work from home and on my own terms.

I started writing a book. This will be published early 2009.

I became President of the car club I’ve been a member of for nearly ten years. When certain people found out, “Well it’s about time!” was the answer I received from most of them.

I’ve read nine books cover to cover. I’m working on two others right now that will carry over into the new year. Come to think of it, I need to update that list and start a new one.

I kicked my lifelong addiction to Coca-Cola and in doing so started drinking green tea and completely ridding myself of a lifetime of Irritable Bowel Syndrome caused by none other than caffeine. I can count on one hand the number of soft drinks I’ve had since I stopped cold turkey on the last day of April.

I’ve lost twenty pounds and have kept it off. In actuality, I dropped it all within the first month after quitting the Coke. It’s been a breeze keeping it off. My goal for next year is to drop another twenty and keep that off too.

I have found joy in Christmas for the first time since I was a child. I have been living under the impression that I would grow into an Ebenezer Scrooge in my old age.

I became interested in politics. God help me. Frankly, I’ve never cared for it but I’m at the point in my life now where the choices I make politically, who I vote for, affect me personally.

Working with my wife, I saved our household over $250 a month in bills. The great part about it all is that we didn’t cut anything out. All we did was move things around and restructure things. I only wish we had done it before I lost my job. That was the turning point.

I bought my first pickup truck, a vehicle I have always hated with a passion. It’s a small truck though, an S-10. I don’t want a big truck. I don’t need a big truck. I only need one big enough to put stuff in that I can’t put in my car.

I bought myself a Digital SLR camera and have become completely engrossed in photography. I love it just as much as I love writing.

I started playing around with wood carving. I completely suck at it as of yet, but someday I hope to be able to carve something you don’t have to be an abstract thinker to recognize.

I’ve tried my hand at playing the piano. Again, I suck at it. I’ve never been one to actually be good at any musical instrument. Instruments just don’t do it for me like singing does.

I developed Dupuytren’s Contracture in my right hand. My pinky and ring finger don’t work quite right. I’m bound and determined not to get surgery until it’s absolutely necessary, until I can’t use them anymore, as is the case with my feet.

I visited Biltmore Estate in North Carolina and Apache Junction, Arizona. It’s my goal to at least visit a few places every year. I’m an adventurer at heart and can’t bear the thought of staying in one place for long periods of time. It’s great to know there is actually a world out there beyond my own.

My Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder kicked into overdrive as the months have passed. Believe it or not, I think the Coca-Cola kept it at bay. It’s strange to say, but you would think the caffeine and sugar would only exacerbate any symptoms.

I tried scallops for the first time in my life. Along with calamari, as I get older I am developing tastes for things I previously hated.

For the most part, this has been a good year. I can’t wait to see what 2009 brings.

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