2012 in Review

Here's a bit of what I've done over the past year.  It's been a great ride, and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings.  Have a good one, everybody! 

Passed the P2 test in Krav Maga, which means I have the skills to only whimper slightly as I run away from a threat. 

Went on JoCo Cruise Crazy 2 with my friend Angela.  Met some great folks and had an awesome time in Curaçao,   Aruba, and the Bahamas.  In about 5 weeks, we depart on JoCo Cruise Crazy 3.  :^)

Enjoyed numerous bike rides around my city and the surrounding area.  This is a photo of the Mississippi River in St. Paul. 

Spent ridiculous amounts of time mastering the art of the self portrait in Philadelphia and sometimes New Jersey. This is in Avalon, NJ. 

Rode in my fifth MS 150 bike ride.  This is me wondering what I have gotten myself into before departing on the first day.  Indeed, what I had gotten myself into was the most excruciating ride I've ever taken, as the 2nd day featured 20 mph headwinds and 90º heat. But I made it!

Visited Milwaukee with Jay to witness a member of the I Will Never Wed Again club break his solemn vow in favor of another.  To a mighty fine lady, I must add. 

Accompanied my parents on one week of their trip from Forked River, NJ to Bayfield, WI.  I was there for the St. Clair River through Lake Huron,  from Detroit, MI to Mackinac Island. 

Visited Mackinac Island for the first time, enjoying a tour of the island courtesy of our rented bikes. 

Took Jay to visit the sights of Southern MN, including the most epic SPAM museum as well as Mystery Cave. 

Picked my parents up at the end of their trip in Bayfield, my first visit to the area since 2003.   It was warm enough to go for a swim in Lake Superior, a nice treat!

Vacationed in Okoboji with my family for the 30th time.  The sunsets were as stunning as always. 

Made a second trip to the craziness that is Dragon*Con over Labor Day weekend, where the best part is waiting in line with your friends.  I've already bought my pass for next year. :^)

Continued the indoctrination into MN tradition by introducing Jay to Lefse, which is, by the way, absolutely awesome with Biscoff Spread.

Sydney turned 11 this year, and is totally cool with that, as he is with everything.

And, last but not least, people can finally stop making fun of my iMac G5, for I have finally acquired the latest and greatest.  Wow, there have been a lot of advances in the past 7.5 years.  :^)

[School] 60% Done!

On Monday, I got off a plane from Philadelphia and took the final exam for Ceramic Processing, sick.  I was a little concerned, having spent the weekend before the final curled up on a couch on the east coast watching as much Netflix as the hours in the day would permit and drinking copious amounts of tea. 

I took the test in 37 minutes, which could either have been a really good or a really bad thing.  We were allowed 3 hours, though his tests typically ran short.  

Final grades were posted this afternoon: A.  Yay!!!!  I may have looked a bit like "Success Kid" when I saw the grade.  So now I only have 4 classes left.  Phew.