My personal journey and highlights of 2011.

My wife wrote up a little journalistic meme of sorts at her blog and on Facebook that I thought was worthy of tackling. You saw my last post about my favorites of types of creativity outlets in 2011; this one will be a more personal look through 2011. Without further adieu, let’s take a trip.

An addendum before I begin: I know most of my readers could care less about this post, but I wouldn’t mind looking back and seeing this post in the future myself, just to reminisce and see how far I’ve come, and see what happens in subsequent years that correlated to what happened in 2011.

What did you do in 2011 that you’ve never done before?

Well, I ventured further west, past Kansas City, so that was new. California was everything I dreaded it to be, but there was a great car museum and Mel’s Drive-In, so the trip wasn’t for nothing I suppose. I just despise LA in general. I also brought a new member into my family: Helo, a beagle pup, who was born on April 11th of 2011. It’s been awesome to see him growing; now we just have to get him to listen more often and not talk back when I tell him no (beagles are very vocal), and we’ll be fine. I also joined a Bible study/fellowship group at church, and that has been one of the best things I’ve gotten myself into in the past couple of years.

Did you keep your new year resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I make resolutions when I need to make them.  I don’t believe in making them at the beginning of the new year, but constant progression is what I like to strive towards.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

A couple of Claire’s friends did, but I can’t recall anyone close to me giving birth this past year. I could be wrong. I’m writing this late and tired.

Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, someone I know and cared about died. No, he wasn’t close to me. But that was the problem.

What countries did you visit?

The country of What. No year is complete without at least two viewings of Pulp Fiction. But seriously, no, I didn’t visit any countries, although LA seemed like they were a foreign land next to the rest of the country they were landlocked with. Go fig.

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A full-time job would be nice. A new Mustang would be too. Or a house. I don’t dream big at all, do I?

What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 5th is when I rescued Helo and brought him home.

What was your biggest achievement in 2011?

Probably getting Helo, to be honest. I started racing on iRacing.Com, so that’s a dream being fulfilled. Still waiting for my first win. Also saw Volbeat live. I’d say that’s achieving right there.

What was your biggest failure?

Not being able to be there for a few friends of mine at certain points in their lives. Other regrets I may have I can’t place the blame entirely on myself, although it would be simpler that way.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Thankfully, no. I think I got through the whole year without being really sick, aside from the usual allergens. No shots needed!

What was the best thing you bought?

I think realistically here I’d have to say my new dog Helo, but with material items, I’d without a doubt say the Logitech G-27 driving peripheral. Steering wheel, progressive pedals + clutch, shifter… The thing has it all, and has helped me live out my dream of being a race driver from the comfort of my office and my friend Steve’s house. A 105 inch projector screen tends to bring most anything to life.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Helo, when he stopped peeing and crapping on my floor. Claire, who has put up with me and has demonstrated way too much patience with me for over a year now in marriage.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? 

I wrote about that once here already. Not really feeling like going back into that again. One and done, I’ll say to that.

Where did most of your money go?

Student loans, petrol/gas, and Steam. This coming year, I’m guessing iRacing will turn into the new Steam for me. I really want to get into the modifieds and sprint cars.

What did you get really excited about?

Seeing Volbeat live at the Pageant. Also? Starting my journey into the world of professional racing simulation.

What song will remind you of 2011?

Sad Man’s Tongue or Shake It Out.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

I should have focused more on reading novels. I have an ever-growing list of books to read, but I haven’t been placing them very high on my priority list. Also, I know I’m not the best at it, but I wish I could have ministered more (and more effectively) to people that I know or don’t know that well.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worry about the logistics and reasons behind the actions of what some people do. Sometimes they just can’t be explained, and I need to let go of my worries and concerns over that for the sake of my IBS. People will be people.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Since Christmas has already passed, this year I will be spending it by laying waste to all zombies that come within striking range of myself and my family/friends. I mean, the world is supposed to end on the 21st, right? It’s gotta be zombies. The alternative would be robots, and that’s scarier than the living dead, in my opinion.

Did you fall in love in 2011?

Yes, with iRacing.Com.

How many one-night stands?

I built a driving stand for my Logitech G-27 that took about half a day to create, but not the whole night.

What was your favorite TV program?

I think as of now my favorite show that is currently being aired is The Walking Dead. I’ve talked before about my reasons why I love it so much, so I won’t repeat myself here. Also, I got into the show Supernatural, which cemented a spot as one of my favorite shows of all time. Season 6 was a little slow at the beginning, though.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

My faith and set of beliefs requires me to not hate anyone, so no, no hate from me. But Marc Forster did come to mind; he better not screw up World War Z as much as it sounds like he is.

What was the best book you read?

For 2011 it would have to be Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson. It was the first apocalypse book that actually made me fearful of what brought on the apocalypse.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

I gotta say, it was Florence + the Machine. Florence has a voice and talent that can’t really be matched by much of anything in the pop/alternative industry.

What did you want and get?

Another year with my wife.

What did you want and not get?

A constant sense of tranquility. Also, a Ford Mustang GT.

What was your favorite film of this year?

Senna, without a doubt. Even if you’re not a race fan, watch this movie. Best documentary I’ve ever seen.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 25 this year. It’s a nice number; I’m liking it so far. I believe I went to the zoo this year with my family, which was a good time. I still would like to hold a sloth at some point before I die.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Immeasurably? Well, I don’t like to place the blame on others, but others’ attitudes do affect the people around them. I wish that people I know, including some of my close friends, could have been happier with how their lives were and currently are. That would make me happy in turn, which would have resulted in my past year being more satisfying.

 How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Comfort is all you need.

What kept you sane?

I thank God every day for bringing Claire into my life, because she has done more for my sanity than most anything else (although she does have her moments, but we all do). Shooting zombies in L4D2 also did the job for a bit until the community went to crap.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

As of right now, I think I’m going to go with Trevor Bayne, even though he was really only in the spotlight for most on one particular Sunday of last year.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Of last year? I like to stay away from politics in general because of the fact that they’re so deceptive as a whole, but probably the whole Occupy movement, because that proved to me that there are way too many selfish and ignorant people in the United States that think they know what they’re talking about. I dread the upcoming election of 2012.

What news story moved you the most?

This is an easy one: Dan Wheldon’s passing. I saw it when it happened live, and it was horrific. I knew just judging from the live footage that someone was going to be seriously hurt from that accident. It put my life in perspective as well, because before the accident happened, the camera was inside Wheldon’s car, and you saw the smoke of the accident. The audience witnessed the last couple of seconds of someone’s life broadcast live for millions of people to watch. It made me sick when it was announced hours later that he had succumbed to his injuries. We really never know when our time will end on earth. It can happen so quickly; in Wheldon’s case, at over 200 mph. There’s a very important life lesson to be learned in that.

Who did you miss?

I could go deeper into this question, but I think I’ll just stick with Gordon Freeman. Seriously, it has been since 2007 since we last saw him. Quit fooling around with DOTA2 and get on with making the next Half-Life game already, Valve!

Who was the best new person you met?

Because I am generally quiet around new people it takes me longer to get to know someone, but last year I was blessed to get to know certain people at my church. They were always there, but I didn’t get the chance nor dedicate the time to get to know who they were until last year. I’m incredibly happy to have them in my life now, as they have been a very positive influence on me.

Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

There is no way you can change anybody’s mind. You need to be consistent with your own thoughts and actions, and let everyone else figure out theirs.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough/
And things go wrong no matter what I do/
Now and then it seems that life is just too much/
But you’ve got the love I need to see me through/
When food is gone you are my daily meal/
When friends are gone I know my Savior’s love is real”

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