Year In Review: 2008

Change, as cliche as it has become now, is probably the best word to sum up 2008. 2008 was one of the weirdest years to have ever happened in the history of my life, and I grew up during the Y2K scare. Our economy went down the drains, a new president was elected in, I got to do a sermon for youth group, Tabea went back to Switzerland and I cam following after, and quite a few of my classmates (me included) are finally adults now.

Things have changed indeed.

It is difficult to fully articulate how much the world has changed for me and for my contemporaries, so I think I'll just try to sum up my feelings on how this has all changed into small paragraph forms. Maestro, if you please:

Tabea Moving Away

This was a big deal to me, not so much to some of you. Tabea leaving was one of the hardest things for me, and it still is hard. We find a multitude of ways to stay in contact, but it is still difficult. Fortunately, when Tabea left something else happened a little bit later...

I Went To Europe

Yeah, that was pretty amazing. I got to go and see Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and of course Switzerland. Getting to see Europe was amazing, but getting to see Tabea again while there made the trip unforgettable. I could devote this whole post about things I got to do while there, but I don't think I have the time nor the will to do it. I will never forget all the things I got to see there, maybe the names, but never the places. Hopefully I'll get to see the Swiss Alps next year during Christmas time.

Obama Became President

This was a fairly monumental moment in history. I suppose I wasn't a main part of it per se since I vote for McCain, but I was a voter meaning I played a role in this election. Now then, I may be conservative and a Republican, but I wish Obama the best. I hope he can fix the nation to the best of his abilities, or else he will have someone else do his job. I suggest to all my friends who don't like Obama to just take a deep breath and relax, he only gets the four jobs and not even Bush screwed up the nation that bad in four years.

I Became Nature Area Director

OK, so like only four or five people will care that I got this, but it is a big deal to me. I love working at QSR and wanted to get this position badly. I didn't officially get a Director position this year, but I have been assured it next year, so that is why I put it up here. Cool things await QSR next year.

On a side note, my troop has decided to stop going to QSR. This can mean only one thing, I must take them out. I know, it may seem bad, but it is for their own good.

I Gave A Sermon

Clarification, I gave a sermon to my youth group, still a big deal but not as epic as it sounds when reading the heading. I did my homework on the whole thing for a month and really learned some amazing things about Jesus. I'm so glad I got this opportunity and I can't wait to do another sermon.

Turned 18

Yeah, that was pretty amazing. By amazing, I mean mundane. I know, poor old Derek, but I don't mind. Turning 18 was just like turning another year older to me, I didn't need anything fancy, just some friends around me willing to have a good time with me. That is all I could ask for, that and my girlfriend at my side, but no one ever gets birthday miracles unless they were also born on Christmas.

Started Several New Clubs

Correction, I started the Dungeons & Duelists Club, Chris started the Goddard Film Club. I encourage everyone around the world to join these two amazing clubs, and to give us ideas on what the hell to do with them! (I recently procured a movie related to D&D, so this means it is time to intermingle the two clubs, Mwhahahahaha!)

I Advanced To Eagle Scout

This actually started earlier in the year, but doesn't fit in with some of the other things. I have been working for the rank of Eagle since 2001. This has been a long time coming for me, and I am so happy that I have finally gotten this rank.

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That sums up 2008 and how it affected me, but how has 2008 changed for you? What events happened to make 2008 more then just a number, what made it a real year for you? Leave me some comments or write your own list and let me hear what you did.

With Much Love Towards All,

Derek

Botanica Pictures

So, I was looking back over some of my older pictures I had of me and Tabea, and found these lovely gems. I hope you enjoy some of the eye candy that my lovely model allowed me to show, and feel free to comment on the pictures.

More pictures can be seen here.

Today In Review: 12/28/2008

Hello Everyone,

Well, today was a fairly mundane day with only two things that I must point out as being very special.

First off, I got to talk to Tabea. When I say talk, I mean I got to see her! We both had our webcams set up and we talked for a good three hours about anything and everything. Getting to see her face and hear her voice again really helped ease the pain of not seeing her right now, despite the fact that it also hurt to know that what I was seeing couldn't be touched. Only so many senses at a time, eh?

The other thing was church service today. GracePoint is a very cool church, and it seems that it is getting ready to go even more outside the box than usual. I have yet to figure out what they plan on doing, but I know that this is the type of church that will really do God's will and not their own. About time we got more churches like this.

Well, I'm off to try out this game I found called "Facade" and see if it is any good.

With utmost respect,

Derek

Christmas Wrap-Up 2008

Wow, what a Christmas this was!

Well, once again me and my family made our annual trip to Illinois to see my family. I must say, we still have our family feuds out here, but we have this new strong current that the family needs to come together. This has been one of the biggest things I've been looking forward to and I can't wait to see what will happen when the family finally learns to forget all our problems and learn to all just love each other.

But this is awhile coming.

So, to sum up how my Christmas went:

• Long, long, loooong drive to Illinois which I passed with much sleeping.
• Going to the casino only to find out that being 18 still isn't old enough to gamble. (They'll let me throw my life away in the military but not my money?!)
• Hung out with my uncle Jimmy and then my cousin Alex where upon we stayed up most of the night playing Left 4 Dead.
• Woke up, played some more games, watched some Christmas movies and then headed out to Michael's Sports World.
• Played games with cousins and family.
• Went to my Grandma and Grandpa Blair's house and had my sister Sandy meet me there. (Woot!)
• Had my cousin Alex stay the night again and we played more Left 4 Dead.
• Lazed about the last day here and then went to my Grandma's house for one last big dinner with family.

Well, that about sums up the Christmas season I had. Was fun, as you can see by the pictures I have posted on here. Can't wait to see how next year goes when I go see Tabea!

Well, till next time.

Derek

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