Assorted denizens of my LiveJournal friends list: Every year, we meet here to discuss the state of the sort. This year, we gather behind a cut deeply aware of what has transpired and what lies in the decisive days that lie ahead.
During the past year, I have seen some of what can be accomplished. Historic job reform has occured, as I've been gained the status of Lead Software Developer. The joys of dealing commanding underlings to do the whims of my bidding are balanced out by the realization that I am but a pawn in the struggles of upper management. And yet I still do get a chance to get into the trenches and get some dirty work done, but my days of doing actual coding work certainly are numbered.
The MINI is still plowing along and is getting its 60k service soon. It's kinda upsetting to think that in the 2.5 years that I've had it, I've spent 50 days total in that car(assuming an average of 50mph). But then it just means that any money that I spend on upgrades are well spent based on the amount of time that I spend in the car. Luckily ever since I moved to the new place in McLean, I haven't been hit(as opposed to 3x while I lived in Vienna). Despite not having people over to my new place, I'm still rather fond of it. It's definitely worth a premium to have one's own space. Having my own kitchen has definately helped me convince myself to cook more often and try many new recipes when I'd otherwise just go visit my family and have my mom send me home with a carload of food. I must be old when I'm appreciating such small pleasures like having a garaged parking space and granite countertops. Housing prices around the DC area are still insane, so taking that plunge isn't likely soon, though if I continue to get raises like I have been...
One of the problems that I face is that I'm addicted to games. World of Warcraft has been consuming a fair chunk of time, as I almost have my second level 60(max) character. I've started playing Travian on servers 3 and 4, and they happen to be a fairly amusing diversion. Hell, even playing the remake of Final Fantasy IV can make me squeel with glee upon seeing the line "You spoony bard!"
Still working on relearning what I used to know about photography. At least this time around I can afford to spend(waste) lots of money on this hobby. Just need to overcome my apathy and go to various exciting locations to take neat photos with my gear.
That's the 2005 edition of me in a nutshell, we'll see how 2006 turns out.
speaking of cooking, I have to recommend Cooking Light as one of the most awesome cooking magazines out there- lots of yummy, easy (and good for you!) recipes... (their website has lots of recipes to try out without subscribing) I've definitely cooked a lot more on my own with their recipes....
Came across this and thought of you: you know, for when the Mini gets too old to drive:
http://www.uberreview.com/2006/01/mini-statements-mini-desk.htm
I <3 the icon with this. The knife is perfect.
It sounds like 2006 is going to be more good growth and opportunities to continue on from 2005. I wish you all the best! Go forth and conquer!
~Me
My main Hordie is a lowbie hunter named Neelie. Look me up, sometime? :D
Yayz,
~Yui