I feel like I just wrote my top 25 blog... must have been a good year.
And it was. Highlights include:
A year of a master program, which meant lots of intellectual debate, a few papers and a cohort of great friends.
An ever changing relationship with family and friends back home in California, which has its ups and downs with distance. I don't talk to people back home nearly enough, but I look forward to reunions so much more and appreciate each moment with them. It has also lead to things like online gamin with my bro or phone games with my sister to keep in touch. And skype and google hangouts are magical.
Its has meant travel. Since 25 I have been to Philadelphia, Louisville,Cleveland, Beijing, Wuhan, Xi'an, Yichang, Shanghai, and DC. I've explored the world that much more, bitten by a nice new bug that I can barely afford but love so.
I found a new travel buddy among other things in Cali Foodie, who I've currently left in Columbus on my trip home. She been a blessing and joy in my life and made the last months of 25 quite wonderful.
We reelected a president, a task that really took the whole year, especially in the ad-ridden swing state that is OH. Still its nice to take part in the american process.
I have continued to struggle through my Catholic faith. Not the question and challenge struggle so much as the everyday struggles of trying to be a good catholic and always failing my own standards. Its the ever-present struggle to not get comfortable and push forward in my faith that will exists at each birthday. But I thank God for it and for another year of life.
I dunno, I feel 25 was so fast, over too soon. I think last year I felt I was on the verge of a new big step, and now that I've taken it things are moving and I'm along for the ride. This next year will feature a new job, new home, new friends, and new challenges as old relationships change. The ever-turning circle.
So, as tomorrow is Thanksgiving, the closest my birthday ever gets to it, I think about what I am thankful for:
Life in all its joys and hardships
my dear family including my mom in her own turning points and my dad who will be in ireland all thanksgiving.
My closest of friends, none the least of whom include Spam Boa, Dungeon Daddy, Mama Goldfish, Dandy Woo, Powder Climber, and Cali Foodie.
My universities both in Ohio and CA, the great people in them, the education from them, and the legacies and opportunities they have given me.
All the people in my life who have helped me, made a difference, or given me the honor of helping them.
Those who have allowed me safe travels, including the pilot of this plane I am currently flying on.
And for the gift of hope from my God, which is central to my worldview and toward my future, my 26th year, and the twists and turns coming.
Happy thanksgiving all!
-JTY
Listening to: "Through the gates"-Dimrain47 techno is good for travel
Reading: American Gods- Neil Gaiman. So. Good. So far, from one of our greatest living storytellers.
Playing: Star Wars Angry Bird, free on android and why when I upgrade this phone it won't be an iphone.
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