The Best of 2007 (in my life, at least)

Trips to Florida in April and July. A few highlights include: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, The Everglades and Key West. I saw a considerable amount of Southern Florida and have developed a deep understanding of why Hemingway spent so much of his later life in the state. Florida is alluring.

Meeting my longtime friend, Steve B. in Chicago before he left for Iraq. He is still in Iraq but will returning in 2008. I’ll be happy when he returns safe and sound. For the record: I may not support the war but I do support the troops.

My brother’s wedding in May. There is something comforting in knowing he married someone I admire and respect. There is also something comforting in knowing he’ll be taken care of. He needs someone to supervise him, believe me.

My boyfriend, Nate, moved back to this area. I missed him terribly while he was away and hadn’t quite adapted to the distance (and by distance I mean 2 ½ hours) so I was thrilled by his return.

In October I sold three photos to Mastercard.com. This is the first time anyone has ever paid me for something I do as a hobby (taking photos). Therefore, I was very excited.

I read more books in 2007 than I read in 2006. I also managed to read notable works. Meaning, I didn’t spend all of 2007 reading trivial smut. The most striking novel I read in 2007 is Lolita, which I enjoyed quite a bit (even though I was initially hesitate about reading a novel that is so risqué).

I became a better cook in 2007. I credit this to the amazing cooking blog, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

The Harry Potter series is officially over. *Whew.* I finally have a sense of closure after all these years of praying JK Rowling will get to Book 7, finish it and deliver it to the public (rather than hiding it in her Scottish castle or delaying the final release for another five or ten years). I can relax now, knowing the series has reached its end. *Whew.* It really is over.

In fall of 2007 my new roommate, The One From Spain, moved in and she has been a fantastic roommate and friend since then. I’m starting to believe everyone from Barcelona must be kind, intelligent, funny and talented.

My sister, S, moved to Manhattan at the end of 2007. Meaning, I will be taking countless trips to The Big Apple in 2008. I look forward to all the adventures.