Year in Review: Grades

Experience - Grade... explanation

Leaving Medstar — 8 ... I needed to do this for Eric, for Virginia and Jenn, and for me, my sanity, my health, and my career growth. It was still hard to leave two people that I became really close with over the years though. This was also the first time I’ve left a job because I wanted to move on for myself and for my career.

New Bed — 8 ... Upgrading to the queen sized bed has been amazing... just the extra size is great. I did need to buy a topper for it, to make it a bit less firm, but now this is a great purchase and has definitely helped my Snorsi stats.

Winter Olympics — 7 ... Hockey was shit, except for some fun “Cinderella” German hockey stories. I found more fun in watching other events... ski jumping and Norwegian Drive-By and speed skating. Plus I had a bunch of time since this was part of the two weeks I was off work.

Starting at AAMC — 9 ... this was the change I needed. Not only am I making more money, but I have a set of people that care and believe in me. They understand that I know what I’m doing, and that only makes me want to keep all that going (and not mess up). I can see myself moving into a bigger role here, getting promoted, and making more money.

Time with Deb — It happened, that’s it.

Capitals winning the Stanley Cup — 10+ ... all day and every day. I never thought I’d see the day, when the Washington Capitals were Stanley Cup champions, and it’s changed my outlook on life really. A team, that’s been historically not a winner... figures out how to win and bring together Washington DC. This is the shit movies are made out of. Maybe this means that I can actually find someone to be interested in me (perfect timing, see above)... I mean, if the Caps can win, anyone should be able to accomplish their dreams (am I right?).

World Cup — 4 ... the World Cup was weird this year, without the USA or Italy to root for. Nobody took off work to watch games. Nobody really watched games together. I watched what I could, and had a good time at the event for the World Cup Final.

Buying STi — 8 ... So far, this car is amazing. It’s fast, really fast, and fun to drive. I’ve started caring about a car again, since I scraped a wheel already and needed to get paint from Hong Kong in order to touch it up. Buying the STi was the right choice, since it still leaves me the dream of owning a Porsche someday. It isn’t perfect, and leaves me time to find my perfect.

40th Birthday — 7 ... I kindof hate birthday gatherings. They always seem to come off as forced, like everyone else has better things to do but “has to be here for your birthday.” Luckily I talked my mom out of renting a place, since it rained the whole day. All in all, it was nice to have my family there, and we celebrated how I made it one more year closer to dying.

Retiring from Refereeing — 9 ... this was a great decision. Have I been bored, sure... and I’ve even watched a bunch of college soccer on tv. But I also have time to go to Caps games, see friends, go out on dates, watch soccer, go to bars, etc. I can just do all the stuff that I’ve missed out on for years. Also, I don’t have to raise someone else’s kid because they’re an entitled little fuck who’s only been told how great he or she is their whole life. I also don’t have to deal with coaches, who can’t yell at the little fucks, so they take it out on other people. Did I tell you how perfect this decision is?

Renn Fest — 7 ... it was a really good time, but there’s a lot to take in. I mean, there’s so much that it’s really overwhelming and chaotic at first. The group of people that I went with though, are fantastic. They’re just a lot of fun. I think next year will be better... as I’ll know what to expect more.

Time with Samantha — 4 ... I thought something was a bit off, from the beginning, but I was holding out some hope still. Sam needed to tell me how important she was... which was super cute, it was like she was nervous and peacocking. Ultimately, I guess it wasn’t really cute or nervous, and was more just her actual personality. It just sucks to be strung along, to just never hear back from a girl that’s “busy”. I normally take that as “not interested and looking for better... but you’ll do if I don’t find anyone else”. I’m really happy that I went I see Bohemian Rhapsody, by myself, and didn’t wait for that to be a date night.

Turkey Trot — 7 ... it was cold, I mean really cold, and I haven’t run since I stopped refereeing. But I didn’t die, and overall felt ok. I didn’t have a lot of time with the group though, since I needed to get home, shower, and get in a car for Thanksgiving. All in all, it’s a good way to start the day.

Thanksgiving — 5 ... these types of holidays seem forced to me. It’s the same forced conversations, eating too much, and laying on the couch watching football. Maybe wrestling ruined this day, since I always had a tournament that weekend, but I just don’t get into Thanksgiving that much. Plus, this is the second year or so that I’ve just transported beer up and back. Nobody likes good beer, and even the shit beer didn’t go. It’s a wasted day really.

Christmas — 4 ... I’ve lost the Christmas Spirit completely. Even to the point that I’m probably working on Christmas Eve, and won’t travel to my family in PA. I just find it utterly worthless, since  I buy what I want for myself, and I don’t have a girlfriend to buy something for. Having a nephew should make this more fun, in a year or so, I think.  Then he'll be into the present opening and all.

Boxing Day — N/A ... I was working and never got to go out to watch soccer with the group.

New Year’s Eve — N/A ... I didn't have any plans.  Asleep by 9pm, and the year ended just like most other years.  It is what it is.

In summary... 2018 was great for me, career wise and in becoming more confident in myself and accepting of myself. My group of friends have become stronger. I’ve added new people into that mix, and removed some people that were just not bringing anything to the table. On the girl front... same old same old. There was some promise at the beginning of the year, which ultimately ended in being just as far away as I’ve ever been, and something that could've worked at the end of the year.  Maybe having actual dates with more than one girl a year would help me out. It’ll happen someday, maybe... the worst part though is all the questions still.  You know what too if it doesn’t ever happen, then I can keep traveling by myself, going to concerts I’ve always wanted to, or doing literally whatever the fuck I want to. I could also just end up having a lot of money, that I’m saving for my family, as well. I need to get on creating that will though and setting up everything for the future... maybe in 2019, along with finishing the basement.