A review

First, the latest. This week I saw Tom Brokaw speak at College of the Ozarks. That was incredibly cool for a news nerd like me. He told stories about Walter Cronkite and Ted Koppel, presented awards to POWs, and reminded us of the need for American "diplomatic finesse."

I also successfully orchestrated (with help, of course) a surprise bachelorette kidnapping for the weekend. We took the bride-to-be down to Arkansas for a fun-filled couple of days with the girls. We ambushed her at a gas station, threw all her luggage in our cars, and made her sign a contract agreeing to comply with all of our requests until we returned on Sunday. That was truly beautiful.

Last night I spent some time reflecting on the last year of my life. I find such evaluations pretty helpful because they remind me of how great it is to be alive, and how privileged an existence I have.

In the last year I have:
Been to Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Lived in Washington DC and interned at NPR.
Gone whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania.
Spelunked for the first time.
Been vine swinging.
Seen Jim Wallis, Tom Brokaw, the White House Chief of Staff, and various radio personalities speak.
Watched a snowboarding competition.
Attended Notting Hill Carnival.
Seen Phantom of the Opera (and more) on stage in London's West End.
Taken a cruise on the Mediterranean.
Vacationed on Panama City Beach.
Attended a movie screening on the National Mall.
Gone to a sneak preview.
Enjoyed jazz concerts in the Smithsonian sculpture gardens.
Participated in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Learned the following dances (or tried to) - salsa, swing, waltz, foxtrot, rumba, hula, belly, and one that's still unnamed.
Joined a book club with other people who think reading is important and enjoyable.
Had the opportunity to mentor numerous young college girls.
Discovered an interest in the politics of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Learned that plans are only okay if I'm okay with them being rearranged.

And so, so much more. Who knew that college could be so cool? Who knew that someone with as little money as I have could manage all of these things? Perhaps I will give you some insight into all of the lessons I've learned through these experiences someday.