Damn, this year went fast. I’m guessing getting laid off, finding a new fast paced job, going through months of physical therapy and spending three weeks in Europe all contributed. Looking back, I’d say the defining moment of the year was losing my job at AOL. It really did a lot to frame my thinking about life, what we’ve come to expect and how to focus on the things that are the reason we live our lives. Regardless of what happens, the world will continue to spin around the sun so you shouldn’t dwell on the things you can’t control.

Here are some of the highlights from the year:

• Opportunity – The day I got laid off.
• Can You Hear Me? – This blog is reopened to the public (with a redesign and WordPress backend) after I get a new job.
• Unemployment – My thoughts on unemployment, written 3 months later.
• Summertime – One giant middle of the year “here’s what’s happening” update.
• European Vacation Map – We backpacked in France and Belgium.
• Five Days a Week – I start exercising… well, you get it.
• The Lloyd Sisters – My sister starts blogging in January, after we gave them a turnkey blog for Christmas.

I’m curious about what 2011 will bring. I’m always looking for the next big thing, but I can honestly say this is a year where I might tone it down a notch. Melissa will be busy, since she just got into grad school, so I’m thinking I’ll just keep myself busy with video games, (hopefully) reading , and this…

Happy New Year Everyone!

Her birthday isn’t for another two weeks, but this weekend we celebrated Addison’s 2nd birthday in New Jersey. The weather was nice, even if it was a little hot, so it was a good day to spend outside at Johnson’s Corner Farm. Everyone seemed to have a good time eating junk food, going on the hayride and picking pumpkins.

Even though I’m still working through all the Europe posts and pictures, I thought the party would be a good opportunity to take more people shots. Armed with my 50 mm prime, I set out to shake off the cobwebs and document the special day. Click through the picture to check out the results of my and Melissa’s efforts. All in all, I’m happy with the results. (I really love that lens.) I’ll grab a handful of my best best and put them on DMP when I get a chance.

Happy Birthday Addison!

P.S. – Be sure to check out the slideshow!

Surgery went well and my recovery is progressing. Typing is still difficult, so I will keep this short and to the point. I would describe 2009 as both the best and worst year of my life. I learned more about myself and those around me than I ever expected and I feel I’ll look back upon it as a real turning point. I think I’ve talked enough about my self-discovery in recent weeks, so lets look at the three most important posts of the year.

• I Grew Up At 31
• RIP Veronica Brown
• I Finished Grad School

I guess we’re also marking the end of a decade. That idea has pretty much escaped me until now, but I should probably reflect a bit on it. Considering a graduated college in 2000, my entire adult life was comprised of the Naughts. I won’t even begin to detail the things that happened over the last 10 years; suffice to say the list is huge. It’s dizzying to think what will happen in the next 10.

My Grandmother’s dying words were “When you die, make sure you have a suitcase full of good deeds to take with you when you go.” Excellent words to live by. I hope 2010 can mark the start of my campaign. Happy New Years to all my friends and family.