That about does it.

One more year in the history books and what have I got to show for it?

A few more wrinkles, a few *less* pounds (!!) and some wonderful memories. 2008  was a very quiet year for me. Very little in the way of dramatic developments or epic experiences. Lots of quiet nights and weekends. Lots of hours in the gym.

Perhaps most notable for me was the time I spent with my family. The entire month of January was spent in sandy eggo, an experience for which I am truly grateful, since it allowed me to “be there” for the birth of my niece, and to be around for a few weeks afterwards to welcome a beautiful new life into our family. A couple of visit north from the ‘rents and the ‘xachos, a couple of trips south in the fall, and the epic week in Cambria rounded out a particularly family oriented travel/vacation schedule.

Socially, there was very little of note. The political calendar kept me very busy for a while, and I did enjoy a lively spring and summer at many politically-oriented events, including attending the Netroots Nation blogger convention, which was a great experience. But once summer season wound down, and aside from campaign related things, I just didn’t seem to get out a lot. I dated a little, but mostly I was rolling solo. That topic probably deserves a post or eight of it’s own, but for now suffice it to say that this trend cannot be allowed to continue, lest I one day find myself turning into a cat lady. Blargh.

Aside from one somewhat exciting project early last spring, work was like a giant vat of vegetable broth on very low simmer: full of potential, very promising, but as it stands not very filling, devoid of any flavor, and quite forgettable. Meh.

The best development, personally, was my decision in late April to quit drinking for 45 days. Special thanks to my blogging potna, without whom that moratorium would certainly not have held, but since she joined in and stood strong in solidarity, we did it! It was a desperately needed, timely, and wonderful experience. It utterly refreshed my outlook on my eating and drinking habits, re-introduced to my life some badly needed self discipline, and set the stage for an ongoing series of additional moratoriums and other self-improvement efforts. It also set the stage for some of my goals I am now formulating for the oh-nine… to be revealed soon.

So that’s it. I still have the same dog, the same job, the same car, the same apartment. I’m still single. I still write in this blog sporadically. I still have a great relationship with my family. I’m in waaayyyy better shape physically.

2008 was a quiet year for me. I have a great feeling that 2009 will be a year of building on some of the solid foundation I have spent so many quiet evenings developing in 2008.  In a few short months I’ll be turning 35. I have some very significant goals … and hopes for the coming year. As I am sure you do! So, here is a humble but heartfelt toast to me, to you, and to all of our loved ones that 2009 will be a year full of achievement and positive growth.

¡Salud!