2008 and 2009

For this blogger, 2008 was the year of small trips. I visited Napa three times and San Francisco four times. I visited New York, Tahoe/Reno, Mammoth, Sedona, and San Diego one time each.

By all media accounts, 2008 was one of the worst on record. So I guess I should be happy I survived the global recession and my small trips without any permanent damage to my bank account or soul. I turned 30. I was the best man and a groomsmen in weddings of close friends. I completed my first full year "on the job." I discovered a new "home" in Santa Monica. I'm more humble. I suppose we all are. And that isn't a bad thing.

Oh yeah, lists:

My personal favorite movie of 2008 - Red Belt

The movie I'd recommend to citizens - Slumdog

My favorite double feature - House Bunny and Vicky Christina Barcelona

My favorite new TV show - Life and Times of Tim

My favorite old TV show - The Wire

The show that caught my attention again and then totally disappointed - Entourage

The show with the best female characters - Mad Men

Favorite music I somehow was missing before 2008 - tie Lil Wayne and Steve Earle

Favorite food - Bay Cities turkey with the works

Favorite drink - rediscovering Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Favorite happy hour - Modelo Madness

Biggest News Story - Obama

Biggest News Story Not Discussed - Handing Iraq back over to the Iraqis

Best New Game - Carcassone

Best Books I Read - The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, Jimmy Corrigan the Smartest Kid on Earth, The Blind Side, Once a Runner

Thing I Should Love, But Hate - Facebook

Thing I Should Hate, But Love - Sarah Palin

Best Sports Moment - Kobe getting his ass kicked in the NBA Finals

Favorite New Gadget - Amazon Kindle

Okay...that got boring. Anyhow, my 2009 resolutions are the same as 2008 and 1998. (I always have the same three resolutions):

1. Wear sunglasses more often
2. Drink more hard alcohol
3. Get more girls.

And yes, I'm kidding about Sarah Palin. Just hoping to get a rise...