2008 - The Highlights

January

I stood in line in the freezing cold AND turned down big money (someone reeeaaalllly wanted my ticket) to see Bono and pals at Sundance. It was worth every frost bitten toe. I love the smell of Sundance in the air, can you smell what Robert Redford is cooking?

February

I did some traveling this month, truth be told I am not sure where I was and when, it was all a blur there for a while. But the one thing that February does to make the little cockles of my heart happy is that it brings awards season. I admit that I cry during the Academy Awards, I can’t help it I just get so excited. This is also the reason I rarely attend an Oscar party, people don’t need to be watching the show with a big baby.

March

I decided to hit up the Grand Ole Opry when I was in Nashville. And for an alternative music lover such as myself, I was more than pleasantly surprised to have a super good time. Note to self, next time you sit next to someone connected to famous people pretend like you know who they are talking about and try to get back stage. I have missed the opportunity now twice to meet famous bands on the cusp of stardom – Maroon 5 and Lady Antebellum. Also note to self, quit being a snob.

Through my involvement with the Salt Lake Film Center I had the opportunity to see Jane Goodall speak. This was maybe one of the highlights of my life - to see a living legend, someone who has contributed so much to the world and our understanding of not only our animal friends but our human friends as well. Her research was instrumental in the redefinition of what it means to be human. Goodness gracious, to have that kind of impact on the world is awe inspiring.

April

This was the month that I learned that In N’ Out Burger is good people not just good burgers. I don’t know why this shocked me so much, but when I was on a business trip in California I went to In N’ Out and forgot my money, and they gave me the food anyway. Huh? People still trust people in this world…AND in Southern California no less? For this they have my loyalty. Plus they make a mighty tasty burger.

May

I spontaneously decided that even though I would be traveling to the Happiest Place on Earth in November, that I needed to be there in May too. My cutest niece Delaney was there as well and I was proven wrong about taking small children to Disneyland. I have always thought that 7 was the perfect age to take them for the first time, because they are too young and short (generally speaking, not Delaney) to really enjoy the Park. Also, they need so much supervision. But Delaney was a delight to be around. She was such a good little girl, and she made much of the trip even more magical than it already was.

David Beckham – I saw David Beckham with his shirt off. Enough said.

June

Scottish Festival – My favorite festival is in June. And while I missed seeing up anyone’s kilt this year, it was still a grand time.

Also, my cute brother got his Eagle Scout award, and I was so proud of him.

July

July was a month of highs and lows. We had our annual Sibling Holiday on the 4th of July and it was so much fun. I think I even refrained from forcing everyone to watch School House Rocks this year. You are welcome everyone!

The low would have to be moving in the heat of the summer up 3 flights of stairs. I think my movers, and by movers I mean my family, were about to kill me.

August

August brought the Olympics, a series of events that I anticipate with bated breath. So I guess I must confess that…I also cry during the Olympics. Hmm…maybe should invest in some pharmaceuticals to help with this problem.

September

September is all about me because it is the month of my birth. Other than that, there isn’t really anything to be excited about for this month. Sigh.

October

My Aunt came to visit in October and we had a really great time. We did some things in Salt Lake City that I have either never done before or hadn’t done in a long time. One of my favorites was attending the weekly Tabernacle Choir Broadcast. They are amazing. Obviously we all know how beautiful they sound from their recordings, but there is nothing like seeing them live and in the Tabernacle. It just isn’t the same in the Conference Center.

November

The highlight of November can be summed up in two words – Barack Obama. I cannot wait to see what he can do with this office. And as much as I also liked John McCain, I really think the world needed for us to make this decision.

Oh and lest I forget, November was a banner month because I got to go back to Disneyland. It was a great trip. I wish that I could visit the house that Walt built every month.

December

I took a quickie trip to D.C. to visit my friend Matt in December. He is moving to China in like 2 days and I knew that if I didn’t go now it would be a very long time until I saw him again. Matt is one of my dearest friends – and I don’t say that lightly as I really don’t like that many people. Just kidding. We had a great time hanging out, and did I mention that I LOVE D.C.? I wish I could go there every month as well. Geez…I really need to work on amassing that personal fortune or marrying one.

And finally a word on News Years Resolutions…in my opinion they don’t work. Seriously, it would be nice if we could all lose that extra weight, save more money, be kinder to the environment, and increase our spiritual awareness, blah, blah, blah. I take a different approach these days to resolutions. I only make one a year, and I try to make it achievable. For instance 2 years ago, my resolution was to always take coupons when I went to the store – silly I know, but it was all part of my desire to be careful with my money. Last year my goal was to read 3 books a month. Done and done. See? Now I feel a sense of satisfaction in accomplishing a 12 month goal, instead of like a failure when I forget to work on my goals by January 4th. I haven’t decided on my goal for this year yet though, does anyone have any suggestions? And you are not allowed to say “Quit drinking Diet Coke” – you know who you are!!

Here is to a happy and healthy 2009!