2007 in Review

As has been my tradition since 2004, I'll give you a month by month rundown of 2007. While it wasn't spectacular, I've grown a lot as a person, and all in all it was a decent year. So here goes.

January: The year didn't begin on a high note. I played football up at PBC on New Year's Day (after doing nothing on New Year's Eve) and was ignored even worse than when I went there. Not cool. Seahawks got knocked out of the playoffs by the Bears who went on to lose the Super Bowl. Semester started, and it was probably my most boring.

February: Surprisingly decent. I talked to an old friend on Valentine's Day, but otherwise, not much of note happened.

March: Another decent month, though again, nothing much to note. Hung out with friends a few times.

April: Jakob Duehr XX was a great experience, though I was sick for it. Another great Easter, though the celebration was out of the ordinary in that we went out to eat with my mom's side of the family instead of celebrating it at my grandparents' house.

May: Spring semester ended. Started summer course. My sister Heidi graduated from high school, and I went to a few of her track meets.

June: Began my summer abstinence from the internet. Got a cat, Buttons, who is quite high quality and is a respected member of the Duehr clan. In fact, she is sitting a few feet away from me at this very moment. Also went to Six Flags as a chaperon with the youth group. Oh, I also taught Sunday School.

July: More internet abstinence. I was able to hang out with my cousin Andy many times to swim at our grandparents' house. Hung out with people from work as well as high school. Began to branch out socially.

August: Return to both school and the internet. At this time Stacie and I began to get really close, as there is a connection between us that is indescribable.

September: After twenty years, we finally moved from our house in Tinley to a much nicer place in Orland Park. It took some getting used to, but I like the place. Finally came to terms with reality concerning a five year pursuit. I went back to TPHS for Homecoming Game, and actually met Stacie there in person for the first time. Long story.

October: Went to a WWE Pay Per View (No Mercy) with three guys from work, and my hero and yours, Randy Orton (\__O_/) won the title not once, but TWICE!! I finally confronted my feelings regarding a certain person, and for the most part, I think I handled myself well. Began observation hours at TPHS under Mr. Pfeffer.

November: More observation hours. I actually got to teach the class once. It was my teaching debut, and while I thought it was a bit boring, the kids seemed to grasp the material. Another excellent Thanksgiving, though I had to work at Super Target at 5:45 a.m. the day after (and stayed up talking with Stacie until midnight that night).

December: End of the semester. Went better than I had expected. I'm firing on all cylinders gearing up for the home stretch. Christmas was also very nice. I spent more than I usually do on people, but it was worth it. We are welcoming another addition to our family, as my sister is now engaged.

That was the eventful and productive 2007 in a nutshell. I am EXTREMELY excited for 2008, because I think in a lot of areas I am at the brink of something incredible. Thanks to all the old friends and new for making this year incredible.

The Results of the Seven-Headed Plan for Optimizing Jakob Duehr

In January, I laid forth my sevenfold plan for personal optimization. Now that 2007 is nearly complete, I shall update my progress with those challenges.

Decide on a style and go with it.
I was successful in this, but unfortunately people tried to compartmentalize me because of it.

De-emphasize the value of solitude.
For the most part, I have done a pretty good job with this. This year I have done things with a broad number of people, made some new friends, and renewed acquaintances with old ones. I've actually tried to get things together a few times but it didn't work out.

Get below 190 pounds.
Yeah, I failed in this one. This is going to be my #1 goal for 2008.

Establish a connection with some sort of celebrity.
I actually talked on MySpace for a little while with the actress who portrays Casey on "Life with Derek" and was even in her top friends, but that was it.

Take more risks.
This year I've done things I never thought I'd do before, and my only regret is that I didn't live even more than I did.

Let some things die.
I was able to relinquish a five year flame, and 75% of the grudges I had previously held. Still have some work to do.

Establish some sort of balancing operator.
I have a female best friend now to go with my core group of guys. She is amazing. We bicker a bit too much for my liking, but she definitely has the potential to balance me out and save me from myself.

All in all, I feel I succeeded in my goals. There is still a journey to the top of the mountain, but I definitely feel I have made some steps in the right direction.