This year has been an interesting one. I’ve watched a lot of movies, worked a lot, and played a lot too.

In February I got to see a great comedian, Aaron Karo, at the Punchline in Atlanta. I had only been forwarded his blog a few months prior, but it became an instant classic for me.

I discovered Rock Band.

Many Rock Band lunches with co-workers ensued.

Also in February, I voted in the primary for a man I never thought would actually become president.

I read a life-changing book, Into the Wild. It’s interesting when people refer to something as life-changing. Just now I said this book was life-changing but I think that’s an overstatement. My life was pretty much the same before and after reading the book. So let me rephrase that. It was a really great book.

In March, I met my girlfriend Julie and could not be happier!

In April, I saw a band I’ve been wanting to see for years – Explosions in the Sky. This is a video of “Your Hand in Mine” from the show in Atlanta. They absolutely blew my mind.

I made it back to Six Flags. It’s pretty much the same, but still fun.

Made my first trip to Atlanta Brewing Company and would love to go again. I wonder if it’s always so crowded though.

Had some Lost parties to celebrate the coming and going of Season 4. I still don’t know how I feel about it compared to the rest of the seasons, but I think I will have a definitive ranking of seasons once the series is complete.

My sister got married.

In May, I got to see Jerry Seinfeld at the Fox Theatre. Greatest comedian of all time.

The University of Georgia Diamond Dogs made it to the College World Series. But lost to another group of Dogs.

The Braves sucked. They had a win percentage of .444.

In June, I went to my friend Andy’s lakehouse in South Carolina. I attempted wakeboarding which was an epic fail. Tubing was a lot more fun anyways!

Julie got a dog.

We named her Penny after the character in Lost. Notice the resemblance?

I made a trip back to Athens, GA to see my friend’s band play a farewell show. You should listen to them.

This summer I saw several movies in the theaters. My favorites were The Dark Knight and WALL-E.

I finally got to see The Dark Knight in IMAX, after the fiasco at the Mall of GA. What an amazing experience. I hope more filmmakers attempt the IMAX format.

I went to Savannah, GA and Tybee Island for the first time.

The 2nd X-Files movie came out and totally ruined my childhood.

I became obsessed with the Olympics in Beijing. I’m thinking the HD factor was a part of it. The second was the Michael Phelps quest for 8 gold medals. He did it.

I went with my friend George to New York City for the first time and had a blast.

I went to more Georgia State Parks with visits to Tallullah Gorge, Duke’s Creek (Chattahoochee National Forest), and Arabia Mountain State Park.

Mad Men got even better.

My bulldogs went from preseason number one for the first time to pretty much out of contention by week 5. We also lost to Julie’s Yellow Jackets for the first time in seven years.

I did the 100 pushup challenge and ran a 5k downtown.

The financial market melted down.

I really can’t get enough of the pictures of the stock traders facepalming.

I flew up to Minnesota to visit my sister and my friend Adam who both moved up there recently.

I dressed up as a member of the DHARMA Initiative for Halloween.

My grandfather on my Mom’s side passed away.

The man I voted for in the primaries was elected President of the United States.

My friend Joe got married.

I saw Coldplay for the 2nd time at Philips Arena. Just as awesome as the first time.

I re-discovered Team Trivia at different restaurants.

I played and played and played my favorite game of the year:

I turned 25.

Shortly after, my grandfather on my Dad’s side passed away. The losses of both of my Grandpas have been hard, especially coming so close. But I thank God for the time I’ve had with them and know they are safe and well in Heaven.

I celebrated New Year’s Eve with Julie downtown at Variety Playhouse seeing Band of Horses.

I’m looking forward to 2009. But just like last year, I have no idea what it will bring and that is exciting.

Coming soon I think I will post my annual top 10 films of the year. Stay tuned!