Two Thousand and Nine

Looking back on this past year, 2009, I have many great memories. Many great friends were made, wonderful experiences were had, and amazing food was eaten. These memories are part now part of my life and have shaped me during the year to be who I am. It is only appropriate to remember the experiences that were dear to me. My 2009 highlights are:

1. My Birthday. February 4. It was one of the most memorable birthdays of mine. On my birthday, my parents got pizza for me and a few friends and I opened some gifts. Many High School Musical gifts. Later that week, my great friends, Dan and Savannah, threw a birthday party. My friends came and showed support. They got me a High School Musical Cake! It was a blast. It made me realize even more how awesome my friends are and how much they mean to me.

2. April 2009. My older brother, Jason, graduated from BYU this year. Our whole family, My parents, my little brother, my grandparents, and my aunt Sandee, all came down to participate in the festivities. We ate well and enjoyed the time being together. The main reason though this is one of my highlights, is because I went to my very first NBA game. The Los Angeles Lakers, my team, were already up two games to zero on the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs. I got tickets to game and went with my dad, my grandpa, and my good friend Tom. I witnessed a yelling match between two fans who had been drinking too much. I witness some great basketball. Sadly, for me, the Lakers lost, and Kobe shot very poorly. The Lakers did win the series though, and eventually, the NBA Finals.

3. Summer Work 2009. This is a broad memory but a very dear one to me. I was fortunate enough to have a job over the summer. I worked with a company called PAML. It is a medical laboratory located in my hometown of Spokane. The first and most important reason why this is such a great memory for the year is because of the people I met. The first night on the job, I was received warmly and felt great about the people and their genuine kindness towards me and others. They have truly made me a better, more kind and caring person. Many meaningful friendships were formed with my fellow employees. Stories and laughs were shared. Sickness and trials were inevitable. Late night runs to Seven Eleven and Jack in the Box were frequent. Overall, times were good and I continue to keep in contact with my new friends.

4. Mariners Games. At the beginning and end of the summer, I was able to go to Seattle and enjoy the wonder of Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. The first game, was against my team, the Boston Red Sox. It was a great game, with Ichiro hitting two home runs and the Mariners came out victorious. The next game, was against the heavy hitting Bronx Bombers. The Mariners had no chance. And they lost. I love baseball and enjoy a game at the ballpark. The first game I had a huge plate of nachos thanks to Dr. Phil, and the second game I downed not one, but two helpings of garlic fries, the greatest ballgame food known to man. I love baseball and I love food.

5. Tucanos. This place is also known as heaven on earth. I have lost count how many times I have gone but every time I am fortunate enough to go, I leave an extremely happy man. The year 2009 was not as good to me as my friend Dan in respect to Tucanos. He went numerous times, including TWICE for his birthday. Despite is fortune, I am still grateful for Tucanos and the opportunities given me to go. The garlic sirloin is divine and will always have a special place in my heart and stomach.

6. Turkey Day. I decided not to make the trip home for Thanksgiving. My roommate, Samuel Carl White Jr., and his family, graciously invited me over to enjoy this day with them. I didn't watch any football (even though they offered) but I did play basketball with his entire family for about three hours. I had a blast playing and being with a family. The food was amazing as well. I did not eat enough to induce a heart attack, but I had my fair share. I am grateful for them and their hospitality.

?. True Love. December 19. No, not for me, but for two of my roommates. Matt and Bob got engaged on the same day and then married on the same day, one right after another. I attended both receptions, both of which were beautiful. They both provided great food (Matt's with amazing wraps and Bob's with tasty deserts) and fun entertainment. I also was an active participant in the pre-wedding games, Matthew's bachelors party.

Sadly, I have not been able to do justice to 2009. Events, activities, parties, and memories have been left out, but have not left my heart and mind. Looking forward to this year, I hope it is the best year for all of us and that we realize that only we can make it great. The hard times will come in 2010, but how we decided to react will determine the type of year we have. May Christ be the center of our year and our lives, is my hope for this new year.