End of the year letter.

I wrote and sent this letter to family and friends. I might as well put it on my blog.

Believe it or not, it's that time of the year again when I send my end of the year e mail. Can you believe that it's almost the end of the year? Boy, time sure flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?

1) Boston/Chicago/Kansas City/ - Went for a weeklong Boston vacation in January. In many ways it was a classical concert vacation. Saw some amazing symphony performances that were out of this world. I also went to Chicago and Kansas City to meet up with dear friends in the fall. We had a great time catching up with one another.

2) Beyond College/Before Forty - I was invited to join a young adult faith formation group led by Joyce Rupp. Some of you may have heard her - she's a world renowned Catholic author and speaker based in DM. I've known Joyce for a number of years and this is the first time I get to participate in a group led by her. It's a fantastic experience.

3) Concerts/Musicals - Chris Botti/David Sanborn, Chanticleer, Ramsey Lewis, Lion King, Queen with Paul Rodgers, Aida, Rat Pack Live at Sands, Pirate Queen, Blue Man Group, Annie, Kenny Barron, Doubt. I made it a point this year to sign up for a number of classical music performances and musicals. I also made it to a number of concerts. Yes, I did see Queen live! Trust me, I can die a very happy death now!

4) New downtown apartment - I'm now living in downtown DM. I moved there on April 1st and am loving every minute of it. The size of my apartment is at least twice the size of my old apartment which means I have room for friends to spend the night. I walk pretty much everywhere I need to. The only thing lacking is a downtown grocery store, but I'm sure we'll have one in the future. The apartment is a perfect location too since I take the bus to work every day.

5) No longer coaching soccer - I decided against coaching soccer because in all honesty, I could not handle the kids. They weren't taking things seriously and I knew sooner or later I would lose it with them. So, before that happened, I quit. On the flip side, by not coaching soccer, I'm able to be the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) coordinator at my church. That has been a tremendous experience to walk and journey with people who will be welcomed into the Catholic Church over Easter.

6) Ordination - My major trip this year took me to two of my best friends' ordination in San Juan, Texas and Belleville, Illinois. If I had stayed on in seminary, I would have been ordained a priest in June. Needless to say, that did not happen, but I was honored to be invited to their ordination. It was a very moving experience and now they are priests. We met up again in the middle of October and both of them are doing very well in their ministry. I also visited a friend from Drake who lives in St. Louis. She's doing great.

7) Midterm elections - Growing up I was never interested in politics, but let's just say that I was very interested in the mid-term elections this year. I don't think anyone would have thought that the Democrats would take over the house and senate. That's amazing news for someone who can't vote, BUT if I could, I would vote Democrat. American politics like it or not affects me since I'm living and working here in the US. So for me not to be interested or at least not know what's going on would be irresponsible. I still have much to learn pertaining to politics but I'll get there with time.

8) Friend/friendship - I reconnected with a dear friend of mine from many years ago and the journey has been tremendous. It's always great when someone takes the time, and makes the effort to stay in touch. That means
so much to me because some friendships are worth the hurt and pain it may cause because at the end of the day, you know it's going to be bright sunny day!

I do hope all of you are doing well with your endeavors and I have to apologize for not staying in touch as often as I should. I'll definitely add it to my new year resolution for 2007. Yes, 2007, it's almost here. What are you looking forward to the most for the coming year? Are you closer to your dreams/aspirations? Are you taking steps to make your dreams/aspirations reality? If not, why aren't you? Just some food for thought as the year comes to an end. I wish you nothing but the very best for 2007 and don't be surprised if you receive random how are you? e mails from me over the course of 2007!