2009 has come and gone. It was a tough year for a lot of people, and judging by Facebook statuses it appears that I might have been the only person that had a pretty decent year. I wish everyone a hopeful 2010. Be strong, work hard, have faith, and live for something.
I was reflecting this morning on some of my favorite things of 2009 and decided to make a little list. It’s pretty random and not necessarily what I consider “best,” but just personally favorite.
Meal: Magnolia’s in Charleston has an incredibly original southern cuisine menu, and I had the best steak of my life there this year. If you are in Charleston and have $100 or so to spend on a meal with someone special, spend it at Magnolia’s.
Pizza: D’Allesandros in downtown Charleston has some of the most delicious pizza I have ever tasted. I love to ride my bike there after work and get a slice or two and a beer.
Drink: The Irwin Special, invented by my roommate Matt Irwin. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Gingerale, and a splash of orange juice. Don’t drink more than two though or you’ll regret it.
Beer: I’ve come to realize that there are a lot of expensive and rare beers that I occasionally drink that are amazing. However, I keep coming back to Sweetwater’s 420 Pale Ale when I am in the grocery store, deciding what to buy. It’s not too strong or filling, but it’s smooth and delicious, and won’t leave you feeling crappy the next day.
Magazine: Good Magazine is a magazine for people that give a damn. It’s like the best professor I ever had, but in magazine form (with good design too).
Book: Decoding Love, by Andrew Trees. I didn’t read many books this year (I read magazines 30 minutes to an hour a day) but I really enjoyed this one. It’s a nonfiction book that uses the latest studies in economics, neurology, chemistry, game theory, and evolutionary psychology to examine what love really is.
Blog: My old pal Justin Scott had another great year of insightful contemplation on his blog, Guesswork Theory. He maintains the kind of blog that we all wish we could. He has updated almost 400 times in the last two years, and we’re not talking links to stupid videos, they are actual thoughtful posts. Highlights include End All Youth Groups Now, The Mixed-Up World of Movie Economics, and Living the Simple Christian Life is HARD.
Technology: My iPod Touch didn’t leave my side all year. Since there is wireless internet almost everywhere I go, it’s like having a tiny laptop in my pocket all the time where I can check my email, surf the internet, and do a million other things, all for no monthly fee. The least common thing I used it for is to actually listen to music.
Album: My favorite release of the year was Kings of Convenience, Declaration of Dependence. I wrote about it a few times so I won’t keep going on about it, but I appreciate non-conforming melodies with thoughtful lyrics. You can’t find stuff like that on the radio.
Song: The Welcome Wagon, Up on a Mountain. This song speaks to me, it’s a refreshing reminder that we’re not alone. The music is absolutely beautiful and the words are uplifting. It always puts me in a good mood.
TV show: LOST. I won’t be one of “those people,” (you know what I mean) but it really is a mind-blowing show. Looking forward to the last season starting in a month.
Pop Culture Moment: Not that I condone humiliation, but the backlash against Kanye West for his Taylor Swift fiasco was strangely satisfying. Famous people get away with too much, and it was nice to see someone of his popularity getting put in his place.
Political Moment: Not so much a moment, but I’ve been carefully observing President Obama’s words and actions since being elected president, and it’s really fascinating (in good and bad ways) how he has handled himself. He promised so much that a backlash was inevitable. For someone with such uplifting words and plans in his candidacy, I couldn’t wait to see how he translated everything realistically into his presidency.
Personal Moment: Hands down, my proposal to Rita, the love of my life. I woke her up at 6 am as the sun was rising, took her out to the dock behind her parents’ house in Florida, played her a song on guitar, and pushed her into the river. Just kidding, I proposed. It kicked ass.
Trip: My Christmas Colorado trip with my family and fiancee. The Rocky Mountains just stay with you. This world is a giant amusement park with wonderfully amazing natural beauty, and the Rockies just seal the deal.
Facebook Status: Last night, from my always hilarious friend Jason Underwood: “Happy New Year everybody! I’m going to make the same resolution I always do. Kill.”
