So I'm staring at my ceiling now, trying to think and remember all the good times I've had as this past year has passed. There have been some great times, and some not-so-great times. But this past year has brought a lot of happiness into my life, and for that I am grateful.

The first big thing that hit me this year was Senior Design. The project turned out to be a helluva lot bigger than any of us thought it was going to be, so we were somewhat unprepared for what awaited us. Well in the end after many a long night, we were able to get a semi-half-sort-of-maybe-possibly working version of our software. Did it work? Well it worked enough to get us a B, which was good enough for us. We pretty much just wanted to be done with it at that point.

Then of course came my battle with Linear Algebra. The stupid class had been my arch nemesis since pre-junior year. After many hours painfully drilling numbers and formulas, and other fun things into my head, I took the exam. I was worried since the test was put in front of me. I was nearly devastated when I left after finishing. Yeah, I didn't think I did well in it. 2 days later I got news that I got a D on it, meaning I got a D in the course and that meant that I was graduating on time. Never in my life were I, and my parents happy to see me get a D.

Graduation day came and it was good and bad...good mostly. I finally was able to get my degree. I reconnected with someone who still is very special to me (you know who you are). But after graduation, things went a little south as I was dragged elsewhere when I was exhausted...but I'm not gonna get into too much more detail on that.

I got my first job after college which also meant I had to leave the US Army Corps of Engineers. That in itself was kinda hard as I had worked for them for almost 3 years. The job at Reimbursement Technologies started off well but in the end, it didn't turn out to be what I was looking for, so I ended up looking for a new job and would eventually find one.

My first car was an interesting experience. For the first time in my life I owned a car. A car that is mine and not my parents'. Now with that comes a lot of responsibility. I ended up getting a 2003 Ford Focus SE. The car itself is beautiful. 5 speed manual transmission, cruise control, MP3 CD Player, power windows and locks, keyless entry, everything I wanted and more.

My first "nice" apartment. In mid July, I moved out of Philly into my current residence in Eagleville, PA. To give you a basic idea, my bedroom alone is about as big as my last apartment was...but in respect, my last apartment was perfect for what it was. New place is a nice 1 bedroom apartment. I actually have such simple amenities like a dishwasher and disposal, and even nicer, a washer and dryer, though the place only came with the hookups, I had to buy the washer and dryer.

In mid-November, I started my new Job with ActiveStrategy. So far, it's a great job and I'm enjoying it...the rest of my life is beginning.

Happy Holidays everyone and a Happy New Year.

Tags: thoughts, thankful