2002 - The Year In Review

Well, here it comes. A reflection on my life in the year 2002.

- Final semester of college

4 years spent studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois culminated in one last semester of class and graduation in May. These were probably the most memorable years in my life, and in this time I can honestly say that grew a great deal physically, mentally (I hope), emotionally, and spiritually.

But most of all, they were great times with really great friends. As I look back on my last semester, I think both of how much fun I had, but also how much I may have missed out in the 3 1/2 years preceding it. It wasn't until my last few months at school that I actually spent time chilling on the Quad in nice weather, or playing tennis at IMPE, or broomball, and all kinds of stuff that I should've been doing all along instead of studying at Grainger every night or playing video games in every spare moment (not knocking video games, video games are good).

Even though I loved all 4 years at U of I, it seems like I didn't make the most of my time there until it was almost over. Which is a little sad, but I'd rather look at it as a positive, that I went out on a good note and didn't overstay my welcome in Champaign-Urbana.

- Working For My Dad

After graduation, then what? A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering bought me next to nothing coming out of school, other than some scattered looks of sympathy in light of the slumping economy. Thankfully, I was able to spend some time working in a whole other field, the world of business with my dad. I already wrote quite a bit about this experience in an old blog, but mostly all I can say is that I am glad that I got this opportunity to learn and understand what my old man had spent 20+ years working in. And if nothing else, it was out of this time that dudo509.blogspot.com was born.

- Job at NG

A few months later, I got the call and accepted a job offer, beginning the Northrop Grumman chapter of my life. How long will this chapter last? Who knows. For now, I should probably just be content and happy to be where I am. It's been a good 2-3 months so far and I'll just take things as they come, I guess.

- G35

2002 also saw me wave goodbye to my first love, the '97 Maxima, and say hello to my new buddy, '03 G35 sedan. Of course I love the Infiniti, but as they say, you never forget your first love. At least I get to see her whenever my sister comes home. Meanwhile, I fully plan on keeping the G and driving it until he dies. That would be a sad day, but lets not think about that right now.

- Fantasy Baseball/Basketball

Another year, another set of failures in my fantasy sports leagues. In baseball, I had maybe the best collection of star hitters ever seen on one team. But in the end, A-Rod, Barry, Soriano and the boys could not overcome the pitching of the Jobberz, namely Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson. And in football, Kurt Warner killed me once again, except this time from within. The team stumbled out of the gates, recovered momentarily, then faltered again before a hot streak to finish the season (5-1) fell short of 2nd place and its accompanying $10 glory prize. More importantly, the team came up empty once again in two matchups against Dave's gang of thugs.

2003 - The Year Ahead

Well, it may be hard to top 2002 in terms of life-altering events, but I expect nothing less in terms of personal growth and making memories. I don't believe in making New Year's Resolutions, I think you should just set goals and make changes when they are needed throughout the year at any point. But there are some things I do hope to see or accomplish in the coming 12 months:

I definitely hope to see more of my friends and get to know some people better. I will also work on being a better son, a better brother, and a better boyfriend.

I want to move out of the house, learn to cook and take care of myself and live on my own within 1 year.

I want to beat Dave's team in fantasy football, just ONCE, even if I lose every other game in the season.

I'd like to take more pictures and be a little better at photography, so I can record some of the moments I experience in the coming years.

I hope I continue writing in this blog, and that I continue to have different and new things to say. Whether it's a quick journal of what I did today, some random thoughts about commuting to work, stories about my mom, a list of songs I'm currently listening to, or deep thoughts on life, I want to keep on doing it. If I ever lose the feeling of enjoyment from writing, I don't know what I'd do. It will be a sad day if it ever happens.

I am gonna get some more Star Wars action figures to go with the Falcon. Maybe some X-wings, TIE Fighters, and AT-ATs as well.

That's all I can think of for now. If anyone else has a suggestion for me, I'm listening.