(no subject)
So... Yeah... Happy New Years? This entire thing is all messed up for me. Not in an 'I've had a bad holiday' way, just in a general, I've never felt it to be special kind of way. It's just so close to my birthday, and my mother's birthday, and my neighbor's birthday, (my mom's is on the 29th, the other two on the 30th, we've always done this group celeration for them) and it's so close to Christmas... All of it just ends up feeling like any other day. I haven't done anything special on my birthday, or on New Years Eve, in at least 8 years. And I don't ever in my life remember feeling different on it after it. They're both just days. And you know what? I don't mind a bit. I had a great time with my friends, doing exactly what we always do every night. I did the same thing on my birthday. And I can't think of any way I'd rather spend it.
And as I write this, I realize that I'm wrong. They are different than other days. I actually take the time to reflect about how I don't feel any differently just because I'm a year older and it's a new year. And I get to realize just how content I am with that. And if that's not reaffirming, than what would be?
So. Now that I've moved past the ramblings, on with tradition! First off, a look back. The most memorable moments of the past year for me, and it's certainly been the most memorable of my life so far. I suppose you can translate that into best, too. These are in chronological order for you.
Bought a car - I love my Forrster. It's not only an awesome car, but it's mine, free and clear.
Went to Coachella - Probably the best 2 days of my life. Flew to California, went to an amazing series of concerts, my best friend bought a car, and on the way back we got to the airport literally 15 minutes before takeoff. If we had had any bags to check, we would've missed the flight. (Which would have had its own appeal, actually..... But I'm still glad we caught it.)
The East-to-West-Cross-Country-Super-RV-Extravaganza - 5 guys, 1 Rv, 18 days. Florida to Alaska. There's far too much to talk in detail, but it incudes Disneyworld and Epcot, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, some vomit, another full day of awesome concerts, some stitches in my head, lots of nerdy jokes, and lots of driving.
The Birth of the Goblin King - My friend Cody had a child. The first of my friends to take one of the two major steps of adult life, having a child, or getting married. He named his kid Jareth, after David Bowie's character in Labyrinth.
Climbing Mt. Baldi - Not an amazing event, just a really fun day with some friends. We climbed a mountain in Eagle River. And when we got to the top, we said, "That peak over there's not too far..." And when we got to the top of that one, we said, "That peak over there's not too far..." We hiked for 7 hours, and when we got to the bottom, Eric had heatstroke. We all were sunburned for the next week, for me, the worst I've ever been.
City of Heroes - It may just be a video game, but now I'm a superhero, dammit! Since I was eight, this has truly been one of the biggest dreams I've ever had, and this is the closest I'll get to fulfilling it.
Moved to Portland - I don't need to say too much on this, do I? I think its importance is self-explanatory.
Went to ATP - Stands for All Tomorrow's Parties. Another weekend of concert-going, this one intermingled with a very nice stay at Kristin and Amanda's Uncle's house. And a trip to Disneyland. And a lot of driving. I really do love long road trips.
The Arcade Fire - Just a really fucking great show. Met a couple cool people there, and heard the best concert I've been to. (Flaming Lips aside, which you should always do when speaking of concerts. I mean, it's just not fair to compare them to other acts...)
And lastly, Coming Home for Christmas - I feel like I'm rubbing this in the face of everyone who didn't get to go home for the holidays... which is the majority of my friends list... But it really was great. I got my parents a dog for Christmas, whom they love, and I love, and I'm gonna have a hard time leaving... I'll have to make a post about him before I go, and put up some pictures of him. I've done nothing particularly noteworthy, but it just feels really good to be here. It's a great way to close out the year, and I feel like the first time home is probably always a really important one.
That's the highlight reel for you. I guess one thing this year shows is that when I do something, I go all out on it. One night, Mapy says I need to get a new car, let's go look tomorrow, and less than 12 hours later, I put 10K down on a car. I want to go to a concert, so I pack a tent and hop on a plane with my best friend to a cultural event. We want to take a vacation, so we pick the farthest state from Alaska, and drive from there to here in an RV. I finally moved out of my parents house, and it's to a different state altogether. I'm either understated or grand. At least, I try to be. That's one thing, one of the most important things, that I hope I continue in the new year. But I think I'll save the look forward for another post. For now, sleep.