Home again, home again, jiggety jig.

Happy New Year!

Well, 2006 is nearly gone so I've decided that I should do a special 'year in review' post. For the most part I'd have to say it was a pretty good year. However, this year (starting February 18, 2007) will be Year of the Pig...my year...so, my expectations for 2007 are pretty high.


Here is what happened in 2006...

• January: Rang in 2006 with friends out and about in Beaver Dam. It was a pretty good time despite being subjected to that stupid 'save a horse, ride a cowboy' song six times in less than two hours.


• February: Season Affective Disorder.


• March: Spring break saw me set some sort of record as I watched more than 35 movies in just under three weeks. I seriously doubt that I will come close to that number this year. Well, at least I hope not. I want to vow to be more active this year. Maybe I will go somewhere fun for spring break this year.


• April: April showers bring May flowers.


• May: End of my second year at Wayland. Sad end to the year for a few reasons, one in particular is the loss of our good friend and colleague Gardner (to grad school).


• June: The World Cup: P.J., John, Juan, and I spent many hours watching nearly all of the soccer games in Wayland Hall on the big screen. Thankfully the games were on in the afternoon this time.


• July: The highlight of my summer vacation, and pretty much the whole year, was my trip to South Korea and Japan (see earlier posts). I had a wonderful time visiting Asia for the first time. I am very grateful for my Korean students and their families for being such wonderful hosts. Thank you. I owe you all a lot.


• August: The return from Asia brings on travelers remorse and depression, and horrible case of jet lag. I now know how our Asian students suffer after every 14 hour flight. It is certainly an ordeal to wake up hungry for diner at 4 a.m., and have no food to eat. I spent quite a few mornings waiting until 6 a.m. and walking down to Walker's for breakfast, hanging out with the locals. An interesting experience to say the least.


• September: Start of my 3rd year at Wayland. Boy, how time flies. I got two new mentees this year, Mike and Ji Eun. I have seven wonderful mentees. I couldn't ask for a better group. Talked on email a lot with 'Steve,' one of my favorite former students.


• October: Turned 35 this year. Got a new phone and an iPod. The iPod is one of the best inventions ever!


• November: Went home to Michigan for Thanksgiving to spend time with the family. Set a new record for longest drive home: 10 and a 1/2 hours.


• December: End of another semester. Finals seemed to go well. Went home to Michigan for break. Set a new record for shortest drive home: 7 hours and 10 minutes. Got to spend more quality time with my family. Played with my niece and nephew. Got to see my friend Kymberly from high school whom I haven't seen for over two years. Also, got to see my friend Becky whom I haven't seen in a few years.

I will be ringing in the new year with my friend Ben in East Lansing. Here's to 2007. Happy new year everyone.

Cheers!