January
- It started out so young, so new. What began as a quest to lose weight ended up with me gaining five pounds for the year.
- I set other goals, most of which were accomplished at varying points of the year.
- The house hunt unofficially began. More on that below.
- As usual, 28 Day of Black History Facts were posted online.
- For the first time in recent memory, my parents had a joint birthday party. They were obviously pleased with all of that cake and the relatives around.
- Hoop dreams: my nephews Josh and DeShawn have them, mine became nightmares because of my bad back. I'd almost kill to be twelve or ten years old again, sans responsibilities and all the energy in the world like they have. I also learned that I can handle parenthood though I need to be a little stricter.
- The house hunt became real when we met our loan officer. Aside from Karen at Summit Bank, I strongly recommend Denise at Carroll Mortgage in Little Rock the next time you look for a home and accompanying loan.
- After all of the fun and games, the boys moved back in with their mom - which is where they really wanted to be in the first place. I love my nephews, but I do like quiet time around the house.
- I decided to commit myself to sending at least one blog posting per week, primarily to show someone out there that they need a great technical writer. I am also peddling my wares for a fair price as a freelancer - fool with me if you need me.
- Me vs. the State of Connecticut, Round 1. Ding, ding.
- Me vs. the tax man. I ran, and the sucker caught me. I can't wait for the day I do get a refund again, but I honestly don't mind doing my fiduciary duty as an American.
- We found and fell in love with our home!
- Me vs. the State of Connecticut, Round 2. If someone doesn't release this lien, I swear I was driving 22 hours to Hartford!
- For what would be the last time for the next thirty years or so, I became debt-free!
- Sadly, my beloved red Hyundai Santa Fe departed for the automotive graveyard when that guy in the brand-new Jeep hit it. Thank God I only ended up with a bruised ego and none of the four airbags deployed.
- To replace said Hyundai, we bought a Ford Fusion. It's not what most people would think I'd drive, but the price and 29 mpg had me sold. The fact it is ridiculously reliable is always a bonus.
- After having to crash with a relative for a few weeks, we got into our home! June 25 is a day I'll forever remember, as it is a day that proved that having faith in God and being prudent would one day pay off. It also means I beat the State of Connecticut.
- Shout out to Mo'B and my parents for helping us move into the house.
- Throughout the year, I've awakened some nights to pick up my tablet and read Scripture until I got sleepy again. I'll definitely say I'm trying to walk with God every day, even on the ones when it seems like I am all alone.
- We met the neighbors. They're all solid citizens who apparently were happy to see some younguns' in the neighborhood. I also found out who has generators and who needs one (us).
- The countdown to vacation became real. After all of the pushing and shoving, Chastity and I needed time off.
- Vacation and second wedding anniversary. We needed to get away, and contrary to what naysayers quipped, seven days out of town were just what the doctor ordered.
- It seemed like I was working all of the time. When can a brother get some rest?
- Gosh, there's a lot of mail coming here. Didn't we already get this before?
- Party time! We had an unofficially first bash at the house, and even the rain couldn't keep me from killing the dominoes table and Lazy Magnolia beers.
- In the words of most NFL referees and my buddy Tim, we just kept forward progress. Nothing too spectacular, but something was getting better weekly. No word if we'll grow tomatoes yet, but if we do, he can pick his own.
- Oh, the joy of shopping at Lowes. If it isn't one thing, then it's another.
- Our true housewarming party was cancelled due to rain and sickness. Hey, even our well-intentions can be delayed or postponed. Wait til the backyard dries up come April or May and it'll be on!
- My Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series. Quoting Drake, we started from the bottom/now we here/Started from the bottom, now my whole team's f**king here. #Soxtober was celebrated here.
- Every section has a season, and this was the season our uncle Lawrence left us for eternal rest. He was certainly a character - the man enjoyed life and giving people the third degree, all in the name of love. We miss you, uncle.
- If you thought I'd miss my wife's birthday, then you must be smoking something that I need a hit from. Although I had to work that night, we made it the best we could - and made up for it a few days later.
- Ford Frustration: No serious problems, but both cars started giving me the blues. Fortunately, those blues were short-lived.
- Our first Thanksgiving was too much. All of this food for two people? Tell somebody to come through and help eat this stuff.
- I did not join Ozzy Osbourne on the Crazy Train, but my nights as Iron Man are prayerfully ending soon.
- Christmas at the Armstrong Household meant rest from the outside world and more food. It's a miracle that I only gained five pounds this year.
- My employer surprises me in more ways that one.
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