A Year in Review

2007 has come and gone, and like all the years before it and the years to come, its had its ups and downs. My thoughts are all over the place now but I decided it was important for me to chronicle some semblance of events from this past year in blog form (a virtual time capsule, if you will). I will forego the numbered list I tend to write and instead, tilda it.

~Law school: If I can divide my life into a timeline, everything before grad school is Phase 1 and everything after is Phase 2. Who knew it could be such a life-altering experience? I am truly grateful that I've passed all that I need to pass and that I'm still here. So much of what I blog about involves my academic life so its fair to say that I'll leave any reference to it from here on for future posts. On to phase 3.

~Traveling to Boston with Friends: A mini-vacation filled with mini thrills (bike touring!) and some rich history. I hope these sorts of ventures become a tradition.

~Virginia Tech Massacre: I remember the day because it was Su's birthday. The shock of the event was almost paralyzing. That could have been my university, completely open and free and unsuspecting of the magnanimity of horror the day would encounter. Columbine, Little Rock, Virginia Tech. In cold blood.

~Working with the Federal Public Defender: My first "legal" job. My first encounter with the criminal justice system, sans that one time in traffic court...

~Getting a new bed: Blogworthy, because its been eleven flippin' years.

~Nurturing a hobby: I think photography has officially become a new hobby. It all started with the fotolog (oh how I miss thee!) and now its the kind of activity thats distractingly fun. I know I harp on you sometimes for undermining civilization, but thank you technology for YOU and your ever evolving innovations.

~A 21st century Assassination: When I was in junior high, one of my social studies projects was called "Women in History." I basically profiled major female leaders from all over the world. I was proudest of three South Asian women: Gandhi, Bandaranaike (First Woman Prime Minister in the World from Sri Lanka) and Bhutto, for the simple fact that they were brown women from supposed "third-world" countries in positions of unprecedented political power, a feat that has yet to occur in our industrialized, "progressive" nation. Though I'm not surprised by Benazir's demise, such an event bodes no good for democracy, no good for humanity anywhere.

~The War: Well, we have a couple for our generation. As 2008 approaches, we've managed to surpass the length of both World Wars, with no future end in sight. Here's where I mention my politics: the last eight years have sucked the soul of America. Good riddance you clown.

~Debates, debates, debates: Is the Presidential election over yet?

~Celebrity Delinquents: Paris, Britney, Lindsey, Paris, Britney, Lindsey, BLAHHH. And now a celebteen, preggers at 16. Celebrity pop culture has reached new lows. And so has the media.

~Philadelphia: The smallest big town I've ever lived in. Despite the sucky drivers, I appreciate that I can walk into stores there and receive a friendly greeting. I step onto the shores of NYC and a frown slowly but naturally forms on my face to accommodate the atmosphere. Home sweet home.

~Discovering new people, building new relationships: The list of roommates and former roommates grows! I'm fortunate to be surrounded by such eclectic people.

~Getting a new kitchen: I will embrace the mismatched granite tiles. I'm so happy we have ovens! Ovens without strings tied to hold them up!

~Family and Friends: Always a joy to be around. Each year passes and I learn something new about everyone I love. Sometimes, the discovery can be disheartening, which then forces one to reevaluate how they view the world and those around them. Still, I am so blessed to have incredibly warm, funny, thoughtful and prayerful individuals in my life.

~A new nephew: Reuben Philip, born December 28th @ 11:20 am. I love babies!

A post like this doesn't seem complete without a blurb on resolutions. Of course, the usual ones hover about. But there is one that captures the essence of all of them: I hope to put in 100% of energy, time and prayer into everything I do. I'm reminded of a quote from Su's blog that is the most constructive observation of life I've read:

"Settle for the shape your life takes... instead of waiting and wishing for what might make you happy."

One step forward, no steps back. Cheers to a new year!