2008 was a big year for me—a year of mostly positive experiences.

I had stability in a year of great instability, at least for the economy and many American households. And for that I am truly grateful.

I thought it would be a good exercise to make a quick list of highlights from 2008 that made the year so great, and then another list of some goals I think I'll be accomplishing in 2009.

2008 Highlights

1. I started the year with a great 29th birthday party, which was a great time with friends I'm really thankful to have in my life.

2. I fell in love with New York City again. I know I'll live there for some part of my life. Maybe the second half. I had the chance to return to NYC three times in 2008—twice for work/pleasure and over Thanksgiving with my mom, which was so great and leads me to my next highlight...



3. Traveling over Thanksgiving with my mom to NYC was my first turkey day away from my hometown was a nice change of pace. It was fun to spend time with my dear friend and closest family member who I don't get to see enough.




4. The return of Tina! I last saw Tina perform in 2000 and thought I might never get the chance again. Getting to see Tina Turner perform on the night of her 69th birthday from a great seat at the Prudential Center in Newark, along with celeb-fans Beyoncé and Jay-Z, was amazing. That woman is incredible and she gave a terrific show. It was also a great treat to meet some of my fellow super-fans from around the world—the Dutch president of her fan club that I'd never met in the 10 years I've been a member; Donovan, the hilarious guy who's had the chance to dance on stage with the queen herself; and best of all, my friend Martina, whose family welcomed me into their Swedish home back in 2001 when she was still in the Swedish equivalent of high school. So many other great people. What a night!




5. Yes We Can! We finally got a great change in the form of a new president. Last year at this time, I was starting to get active supporting Hillary Clinton and caucused for my first time. It was a really interesting process to get involved in that way. I was excited to see Barack Obama elected. Watching the election results in November felt like a relief and a revolution—very emotional. I was thankful for the dignified way the administration, for all its flaws, tried to smooth the transition. I feel like the whole world breathed a deep sigh of relief with our election and is finally excited about the future again. I was also glad to see Hillary get a meaty role in the new administration and in shaping our policy and more peaceful future internationally. Now, if she can just pay off some of those massive campaign debts.



5. Buying my first house was a huge achievement for me. I felt really blessed to be able to purchase a home during a time when many were having such trouble obtaining mortgages, keeping their homes, and keeping their jobs. I don't take this new chapter of my life for granted. After six years in the same apartment, I was ready for a change. It's been great—the extra room, the cute little yard, my cozy first winter here, and all the fun little projects and big purchases I've been making. I also hope it's a great place to have a dog, which leads me to my 2009 goals...




2009 Goals

1. Giving a dog a home and getting some companionship and responsibility in my life will be great.

2. Pulling my house together should keep me busy. There are a lot of furniture purchases and handyman projects, not to mention springtime garden planning.

3. Taking a fun trip would be great. To return Europe or to visit Asia, South America for the first time could be fun. Or maybe just to be a beach bum in some sunny place. I've never been to Hawaii or Mexico or even Las Vegas. Hmmm...

4. Turning the big 3-0 will be huge. It's just around the corner and I can't wait to have all my great friends over to see my house and meet my mama who's coming into town.

This year was a bruiser for the stock market and the general economy, a year of contentious politics, and a lot of uncertainty. I think 2009 is going to be the answer to a lot of our collective questioning and worry—and I hope we're satisfied with what it gives us. The only thing I know is that it will be full of surprises and change.

As I heard on Oprah today (a rerun), too many of us suffer from Destination Addiction. It's the phenomenon of wanting to achieve something and then just moving onto the next desire or landmark in life without appreciating what we've achieved or savoring the moment. What's happened has happened. Life is happening now. Happiness is what we choose to find today, not what think we'll have tomorrow "if only..."

I hope everyone has a prosperous and happy 2009. Enjoy the journey, folks!

I'm so proud that we elected Barack Obama so overwhelmingly. It's a new era, a new face for America—representing who we are today and how we're going to be seen by the world.

Sarah Palin tried to reach out to "real Americans." Well, I can only hope those people she thought she was addressing took note tonight of the REAL AMERICA. We're the multitude of colors and ages and backgrounds that turned out in record numbers to cast their vote for hope and change in a man we see as representative of our aspirations.

It's going to be a long road to get our nation on the right track, but it feels like we have an amazing leader who will continue to bring out the best in our nation, just like we showed today.

I got sort of emotional tonight, thinking about my upcoming move. I was cleaning my place up and organizing in a serious way for my move, and it just struck me that I won't be here much longer.

I started snapping some photos—in case I forget this phase of my life someday. So many things happened in this apartment over the past nearly six years. I get so sentimental about the life I made here.



I always thought this little apartment and I were lucky to find each other. It's been a refuge from some dark days, a home for my accumulated odds and ends, and been the site of some burned meals, some hot dates, and great memories. I've had SIX jobs in the time I've lived here, which is crazy to ponder.

Granted, I don't like my cramped kitchen, the lack of a dishwasher, the slightly soiled cheap carpets, the occasional loud neighbor (or the ones that have thought I'm too loud). But I'll miss my little view of Fremont and Ballard, and the little patterns I've settled into here. It's been quite comfortable.

I really have benefited from the stability of a good place to live. But change is good and I'm ready to be a homeowner! More on that shortly.

Can you believe this incredible woman?! I'm traveling to see her in Newark, NJ, on her 69th birthday. I can't wait!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1069870/Whats-Age-Got-To-Do-With-It-Tina-Turner-makes-spectacular-comeback-70-dress-short-ever.html

I bought a small betta bowl for my desk. I know it's probably a little inhumane to keep a fish in such a little container, but I hadn't had a pet in forever. My friend Melissa at work went with me to find the container and a little scarlet-colored betta. He was so energetic when I bought him, swimming like crazy in his little container. I named him Charlie.

Charlie settled right into his new home. He was very engaged and friendly, swimming up to a waving finger or any face that peered into his container. He even would flare his fins and puff up when confronted with his reflection in my mirror.

But things started to go downhill. Little Charlie looked bloated within two days. Maybe I overfed him, I feared. I felt so guilty. He would struggle to swim down and then pop to the surface like an overblown beachball. The little guy was miserable, listing for a week on his side, eyes bulging.

I read on betta blogs that they're susceptible to bloat and swim bladder irregularities basically triggered by constipation. Feeding a betta a little bit of a crushed fresh pea is a trick of the trade that is supposed to move the bowels of bloated bettas. I also tried fasting him. Soon, little Charlie had a long streamer of poop hanging off of him, but he still looked miserable. Every morning I came in, I'd worry that he was dead—he was that still at times.

I had to go on a business trip last week and left him in the hands of my friend Kate. Before I left, I put a plant into the little container and taught Kate how to feed little Charlie with just a tiny amount of crushed fish flakes. Things weren't look good, so I was totally braced to get an e-mail letting me know that little Charlie was dead.

When I came in this morning, however, little Charlie was swimming energetically around his container, looking trimmer and perkier than ever. Either he's magically cured, or she switched my dead fish for a new doppelgänger. Either way, I'm totally thankful to have my little desk companion back from the brink.

You think people are one thing, but they turn out to be another.

Sometimes...

You let yourself get taken advantage of.

Sometimes...

You have to get hurt in order to move on.

Always...

You try to forgive.

My first couple months of 2008 have been intense. There are people that I feel like I haven’t talked to for WAY too long, and then other people who have happily drifted back into my life. I guess that’s the way it goes.

People come in and out of our lives... I let people float out of touch myself, too, I guess—but leaving the door open for our friendship to continue some other time in another place in our lives. We can be so lazy with the people we care about.

My birthday was a recent high point in the up-and-down pattern of life. My job was going great. I had an exciting trip to look forward to. I had hope in my dating life. But then things changed.

I had a string of crappy dates and awkward letdowns. I’m not a perfect date. I get that. But it was hammered home this morning when I saw a rambling, "’I’m acting like I’m freaking out about dating people right now’ (but secretly it’s more because I don’t want to see you any more)" email from a cute someone who I thought I was having a great time getting to know. Why do I always have to act aloof and disinterested in the ones I like for fear that they’ll get freaked out?

I had the work trip to New York City, which was really great (saw Rent in its final months, got to bond with my great coworkers, got to see some interesting parts of the city and eat at some incredible restaurants). But then it all kind of went downhill when I lost my camera and all these incredible pictures (luckily just from the NYC trip).

And I had one of those semi-panicky realizations you get every few years when you feel your career stalling to a halt with no hope of advancement. And you try to express your feelings and you get the, "Stay patient. Nobody cares about your career as much as you do... " speech. Why is it that your responsibilities and stress grow so much faster than a paycheck or your station at work?

I’m just feeling a bit burnt out—with work, with my apartment of six years, with dating.

Now I’m stuck waiting for that next peak, my next high point, like I had in February.

Minor blips of recent satisfaction have been: Last night’s awesome Nada Surf show at the Show Box that Tricia was nice enough to go to with me at the last moment; a zany bowling trip after work last Monday where I bowled an awesome game; the quirky book of short stories, "No One Belongs Here More Than You," by Miranda July that I’m reading; and preparing my speech for my legislative district caucus next Saturday.

Is it passe to still support Hillary? I don’t care. I seem to be swimming upstream in every other way in life, too, so why should caucusing for my favorite candidate be any different.

I keep telling myself... "Justin, life will get easier... Life will get easier." I know it will.

&sidI want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all my wonderful friends, who so honored me by taking the time out of their busy lives to show up to my 29th birthday party last night. What a fun time!

Kurrent was fabulous! It was the perfect venue for my party and we all enjoyed the large plasma TV and private bar the VIP room had to offer us. Watching the Grammy's on its 50th anniversary was so fun in a large group at a classy lounge. I loved it.

Seeing Tina Turner steal the show with her three-song performance was the highlight that I'm so glad I could share with my friends. "Proud Mary" performed with protege Beyoncé was incredible.

The look of awe and bliss on Beyoncé's face at the end, having shared that historic moment to roaring applause at Staple's Center with her mentor was so familiar to me. It's exactly how I feel about Tina—that incredible woman who endured so much pain to come out beautiful and strong, and an inspiration to so many. And at 68, to knock 'em dead last night... She is THE ultimate role model.

There were so many surprises at my party. It was like the show "This Is Your Life," looking up in anticipation at every wonderful visitor that came through the door—some expected (or even required) to attend and others completely delightful surprises.

A highlight was when Kathleen Fearn-Banks, my PR professor and mentor walked through my door with her friend and, incidentally another great mentor (for writing), Al Sampson. It meant the world to me and is such a great connection to a very special time in my life. Kathleen knows my Tina stories! I'm glad you could all meet this important woman and that she brought a gift in the form of a surprise guest.

There was a time in my life that I still remember painfully, before I understood how to extend outside myself enough to make friends. I'm so thankful to have been able to move my life forward, to have landed in Seattle, and to have made and retained so many treasured friendships.

Many people are lucky enough to maybe have emerged from childhood more fully-formed and confident, but I am amazed that I actually have people who respect me for who I am and that I've been able to express that in a nurturing environment. You guys mean more to me than any achievement I could ever attain.

I value and ♥ each of you so much, you don't even know. Or maybe you did when you saw the look on my face when you showed up. In that painful time, I can remember where simply "not getting hurt" was the most I could expect from my peers. To imagine such comfort and safety among friends is wonderful. The special relationship I have with each of you and my memories of you are magic.

To see all of my friends from all past and present parts of my Seattle life gathered, talking, laughing, and even realizing some of their own interconnections and shared backgrounds was awesome. I grew up in such a painfully quiet home—the only child of a single parent—one who I know struggled and didn't have a rich social life. I remember being so excited when my mom would occasionally entertain and I could be around stimulating people and our silent house would have laughter in it. And I can remember being so terrified and sad when the cars left and the silence would return.

Thank you for filling my night with sound and smiles and laughter.

One person who is very important to me is my mom, Nancy. It kills me that nobody in that wonderful room last night knows her. She is such a goodhearted, honest woman. But we are so different. It sometimes creates a gulf of understanding and tension between us. Many of you can't imagine having your mother scream at you—or of yelling at your mother, but it's the kind of relationship we have. (I'm sure many of you can, too. Ha.) It's close in so many ways and so difficult in others.

Tonight she expressed the sentiment that I couldn't help think earlier: Nancy would never throw herself a party or even imagine mingling in a large group. I so wish she could understand how fun that could be. She is sad right now, dealing with the death of her boyfriend, but also trying to understand her son's sexuality. It's not easy for her and, while I know she's genuinely happy for me, I think my life is difficult to understand. It's my birthday wish that my mom can join us for my 30th birthday next year. It's going to be fabulous!

You know those liner notes that you see in CDs, where the artist thanks every single person? Some people hate those things, but I love 'em. So here is my birthday version of those credits. Here goes!

Thanks you to everyone. You all wrote such nice things to me in my guest book—now it's my turn. (I apologize if I miss any of you.) Kathleen (I cannot tell you how happy I was to see you there. You were the hit of the party); Al (What a treat to see you again. I'm so glad you're enjoying life in a trendy new neighborhood); Ryan (You are the consummate gentleman—thanks for getting me home in one piece and taking care of so many details. Your patience means a lot to me.); Vanessa (your shoes! the great pictures... love you. the gift was cute. I hope I don't actually eat the stuff!); Jake (you're such a good man. I love you new car and the fact that you caucused for our girl and put up with your girlfriend's crazy friends with such good humor); Christian (a total surprise, I was thrilled you made it. This is the second Capital Hill birthday "thing" you've been a part of); John (you make me so happy, you and Christian are cute. Let's all do drinks soon!); Kenneth (I'm so glad to have finally met you. John hid you away for so long. You're wonderful (and your practice. ha.); Eli (my coolest new friend, thanks for making the effort to show. We had the "after party," which I totally f@$ed up, I get that. You were so decent to even deal with that. I had NO idea. I'm a drunken idiot. Just try to think of it as my Grammy night tribute to Amy Winehouse); John N. (I'm so thankful to have your friendship and for you accepting my craziness. Your reserve and levelheadedness are so calming to me, as are the stories we share about family. Love the shirt.); Tricia (my fashionable, wonderful coworker. I love your quiet voice and wonderful smile); Michelle (you were one the first people to just say, "count me in." I loved that. You're so much fun to dance with); Jeromy (another great surprise; I care about you a lot and your family was so kind to me; you always have my friendship); Joan (you are my girl. I loved your card and the gift. Cozy. Love you.); Jackie (until you I never got to say "my accountant," thanks for sharing Nancy with me and coming. This is your second bash with me. You have a standing invite!); Nancy (you are the older sister I wished for, you are tougher than people know and make me laugh more than anyone); Jessie/Jessica (you'll always be a Jessie to me. I miss working with you so much. We had the best times. I love your laugh and the way you "get" things); Johan (I'm so glad I know you both, let's do lunch at Loehman's Plaza soon)... And Tina (you might not remember me, but you're a big part of what got me "here" and you taught me some hot moves). I know there are others! Comment back if I missed you.

Also thanks to Lisa, Jonah, Heather, Jim, Andrea, Terry, my Uncle Jerry, Aunt Diane, my mom, Jon, Alice, Chris, Carolyn, and all the people who sent their wishes via mail, phone, or electronically. Wish you could have been there, so next time. Okay?

Check out the pictures of you guys at my party on my Flickr page.

Check out the fabulous international press on my Tina. She's back, folks! What a birthday gift!

Oh, and if you missed her performance. Full video and photos from a Dutch friend.

If you have photos, please send them my way. Justin out.

With all this talk about Super Tuesday, I thought I would briefly share some information that I came to understand only recently about how our state choses its own delegates. This message is to my Democrat friends—sorry Joan!

I was pissed off to find that I had promptly stuck my absentee Washington State primary ballot into the mailbox only to have it count for NOTHING!

While our state is holding a February 19, primary, Democrats will chose delegates based on their precinct caucuses, not the State Legislature-sanctioned primary.

Okay, so maybe you're irritated now, too. Let's make sure our votes aren't wasted by caucusing!

How do you caucus?

1. Be a registered voter in the state of Washington.
2. Don't worry about being a registered Democrat. In Washington, it doesn't matter.
3. Show up to your caucus. Its determined by the precinct you're in, so if you can't remember, visit http://www.wa-democrats.org/caucusfinder.
4. Show up at 1 p.m. sharp on Saturday, February 9. You'll be asked to sign in and indicate your candidate preference on a sheet of paper alongside your name. They'll technically let you vote until 1:30 when the precinct officers start electing their delegates.
5. Stay and watch, or leave early. You might want to bring a small donation to help support the election of Washington State Democrats. Your choice.

It's a decidedly low-tech community affair—one that I'll be experiencing anew this weekend. I'll be at Coe Elementary School, where my caucus is. I hope you'll find yours and join me in helping identify Washington's Democratic nominee and then tell me all about it at my birthday party.

I don't have a whole lot to share. Last year, I sent a really dorky YouTube holiday video message to everyone. It was my "card." This year, I didn't really have the inclination to repeat that and sent a handful of traditional cards to a few friends.

Check out my YouTube channel for some of the stuff I've been watching and for that lame 2007 holiday clip. I don't utilize it much, but it would be great if you'd add my as a friend on there.

I was with my family for the holidays and enjoyed being in the snow, sleeping in, and reading. It was cozy, but I was the only member of my generation to make it home this year. Gen X/Y in da' house! (Or barely in the house.)

I can't believe the Clinton/Romney paradigm has shifted to Obama/Huckabee. Craziness! And the Britney tragi-train didn't stop in 2007. The stock market's plunging. Oil's still rising. I hope that this is going to be a good year, but I'm nervous. I think everyone's a little jittery right now.

Finally, I've posted my New Year's resolutions on my Yahoo! 360º blog. Please read it and comment.

Here's to a great 2008, everybody!