Figured out some conditional filtering and publishing rules in Google Spreadsheets. This page is selectively published from my larger inventory sheet of every pen I've ever bought and sold.
2009 in Review
Once again, in lieu of a Christmas card, I'm summarizing the more notable parts of 2009 for all interested parties. In short, it was a great year. See below.
January
- Rang in new year at choirmate's home. My 'dead pool' pick1 was close, but no cigar.
- Hosted annual wintertime mulled wine party at home.
- Began final semester at Humphrey Institute wondering what lies in wait for me post-graduation.
February
- National Lutheran Choir tour through Mitchell, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fun to wander around campus again.
- Presented at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits technology conference--reminded me how much I like presenting/teaching/coaching.
- First of enjoyable, yet fruitless2, job interviews.
- Wintry "guys weekend" trip to Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Thanks Clarance!
March
- Herniated lumbar disc (S1/L5) hobbles me for foreseeable future. Not recommended.
- Choir performed Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" to a packed house. Had a few short solos as Judas. (typecast?).
- Schoolwork continues at feverish pace.
April
- Birthday. 30 was a good year.
- Fruitless interview #2.
- Home to Cottonwood for Easter. April 12th: a busy day.
- Took my best gal to Humphrey Prom at Landmark Center. New bowtie3 to boot.
May
- Two week sprint to graduation day.
- Humbled to have been chosen by peers to speak at graduation ceremony.
- Post-ceremony dinner at Rinata with loved ones--a day to remember.
- Now what?
- Fruitless interviews #3, 4.
June
- To Raleigh-Durham for a week with my brother. Borrowed a bike from the tallest guy in town.
- Pert Near Sandstone (cousin-in-law's band) playing Peavey Plaza (say that three times fast).
- Welcomed new (to me) kitty home. "Frida." She likes to jump and bite.
- Cheering on my best gal in Grandma's Half Marathon, Duluth. Afterward, up to Grand Marais for lake-side camping.
July
- Fireworks and flea market in Northfield. One great unexpected find.
- Volunteered for First Tee--fun to see young kids discover golf.
- Camping with Kallmans at Itasca State Park. Daily rain enabled me to show off my tarp and knot skills.
- Apartment-warming party in #304. A new home together.
August
- Cousin Anna gets married with sheep bleating in the background--a perfect day.
- Five months of disc pain--broke down and submitted to an epidural. Next-day relief. Walking/sitting/sleeping normally--a novel concept.
- J. O. B. Success!
September
- First day at UMN Extension. Trying to learn the lay of the land.
- Minnesota State Fair--in and out for the animal barn only.
October
- Inaugural dinner club with schoolmates. Good food fuels great conversation.
- First-ever performance of the Elm Quintet. Finding it very fun to sing in a small group. Hope there will be more Elm gigs in my future.
- Halloween: to Orchestra Hall in costume as the Swedish Chef. Bork bork bork!
November
- Friends Tim and Rachel married--an honor and pleasure to sing and stand with them.
- Friends Brian and Carleen married--some of my longest-tenured Minneapolis friends and bona fide kickball nerds.
- Three-point Thanksgiving journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Cottonwood, Minnesota. Hit a few junk-shoppes along the way. Did I mention I like fountain pens?
December
- National Lutheran Choir concerts at Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, and in Saint Louis, Missouri--great audiences.
- Christmas celebrations all over. Glad to be together with my siblings and parents at the farm--I love being home-home.
(Preview: January 2010)
- Engaged to Brittany. She is a special one.
Hope that 2010 is filled with fruit.