As the year folds, once again I am faced with the challenges of making this year the best of the best. Here are some highlights throughout 2007:
-Deleted 20-30 GB of Data (pictures, home videos, etc) due to an accidental unattended re-format/re-install. This is now the second time I have lost data in which I have only had time to recover the important pictures with an Advanced Recovery Tool. The Hex signatures in MPG's can vary in which why I have not recovered them yet. Always make backups!
-Instead of 13 days of Christmas it was 13 days of work and no days off. More notably, I was unable to get a digital frame that appeared to sky rocket in price during the last minute Christmas shopping.
-Ironically, I only had enough money to buy Elijah a drum set (See video) and a Vacuum/Carpet Cleaner for my sister.
-Promoted and given a raise as a Tier II Dedicated Server Support Administrator for Hostway Canada, which really just equals more work.
-I have learned a number of complex server/systems topics in the remaining months - Linux Virtual Server (LVS and load balancing), OpenBSD Firewall and Packet Filtering, IDS - Intrusion Detection, Backup Systems, High-End Server Equipment such as $3000-5000 dollar Power Edge servers to $50000 dollar Quad-Opteron servers (computers that are basically blazing fast), and much much more that people really wouldn't understand.
-I am able to implement intermediate to advanced systems, customize, configure and desgin - once again, really irrelevant to anybody. You simply see the address bar, browser and email client - the rest is "interwebz asplode!" (try searching that in Google)
-I've been able to work with some pretty nerdy dudes that say things like "interwebz asplode!", and "ROFLcopter", and "lulz". Also, introduced to LOL Catz (Can I Haz Cheezburger?).
-I have been paying a Fitness World membership at a premium rate and have not gone in the past 60 days, in fact, almost in the past 6 months (not including my attempts for a one-day comeback which were also unsuccessful).
-Sold my 88' 2 Seater RX-7 Convertible (that speaks for itself).
-Started taking dance class in Vancouver and tried a couple of classes in a top studio in Hollywood, California during my trip/stay there. It's something I had to take from deep down inside and understand that I really love (as a hobby).
-The construction of my actual building/condo is in progress and set for 2009 completion (over a year delay due to project financing).
-I've been able to micro-manage myself, responsibilities, and productivity-wise which also really means more work.
-Been able to maintain a balance between writing, composition, song-writing, recording and produced short collaborations - something I've always worked and focused on.
-Broke my 40GB older 'brick' sized version of the Ipod.
-My 25th Birthday
-A lot of seeing my neice and nephew - Elijah and Sophia. At one point, during visits to their place, Elijah started asking for Uncle to monitor as he went potty. The next thing I know he was asking me to give him a bath, dress him and prepare him for his night-time milk.
-Single and ready to mingle, which sometimes isn't always a good thing.
-I've went on multiple dates with women in which most lead to a little fling but did not actually turn into a thing (LOL), TBA.
-I decided to write out a 2 year plan that involved career work, a business plan, a road map, continuing education (Network Administration and Security option, Bachelor of Technology, TBA), and a health regimen.
-This may not be directly related to the parity of a perfect year, but is actually quite sad and needed to be mentioned - the passing of Grandma in April (See my blog entry in the previous months), our prayers are with you, we will always love you.
-Was just given a company laptop, I can literally work from home, if needed.
-Bought a USB condenser microphone and pop filter from my friend.
-In the process of designing a network infrastructure, and internal system.
-Work, work and more work. I was given the London Drugs 5 year service award - A red oak wooden pen engraved with London Drugs symbol and logo "Nobody does it Better". (This is my part time job where I get to operate heavy machinery and using wireless blue-tooth voice recognition for picking orders)
-Went Camping during Canada Day in the pouring rain. Our camp managed to get a fire started in the soaking wet.
-Went to Whistler for Snowboarding and tumbled down the hill at least 20 times. I then eased the pain by soaking in a hot-tub outside a -12 degrees celsius - didn't feel a bit of cold.
-Had to take the Night Bus (if you read previous entries, the Night bus is the worst bus you can take). It is a bus ride (approx. 1-2 hours) from Vancouver to Surrey, in case the SkyTrain is closed.
-All in all, I could say that 2007 was one of my best years, don't you agree?
=P
To be Continued...
