A Year in Review.

Looking back on a year like the year of our lord 2005 isn't a happy proposition for me. 2005 was a roller coaster of a year, but not a fun one. The lows reached depths heretofore unexperienced for me and the highs never seemed to balance that out.

Some people who may or may not read this may think that my perspective of the past year is tainted by the last two months of introspective hell and self-doubt I've had to traverse. But with a look back at the moments and trends from my 2005, it's easy to see that this year was never that great and just seemed to get worse as it wore on.

I'm not going to give a detailed story of this year. Now is not the time; I've been awake too much, asleep too little these past few days. I'll just throw out a list of things I remember from this year, a list tossed together in no particular order, the good, the bad, the raw truth.

• Cole Murdoch's death
• Starting at OU
• My "summer of futility and impotence"
• The 2-day job
• My brother's 18th B-day
• My near nervous breakdown
• That weekend in Stillwater/toga party/whoopin' Brett's and Zwiefel's asses at Boomer
• The night Paul and Erin came to Norman
• That party in Edmond
• The campout
• Hunter S. Thompson's suicide
• Joining the lacrosse team
• My first lacrosse game
• Going worst-to-first in Fantasy Football
• Learning to hold a grudge
• My first 'D'
• Wayne's going-away party
• NEO graduation
• Playing outrageous amounts of disc golf

That's just the stuff off the top of my head from the bulk of the year. A lot of those events may seem inane, but I think that every small event is a part of a bigger picture, and by looking back at all these things I think a comprehensive portrait of my year that was will emerge.

The amazing thing about this year that I can see is the unlikely high notes it has ended on. This last week of 2005 has been pretty incredible. Most of my time during the week was spent helping Paul and his family move into T-town from the neighborhood I've shared with them since I was in 6th grade. Now they are in their house in Tulsa and it's great.

The day after their move was completed, the Stachenwagen, known to many as the Stach or Stachie, finally succumbed to transmission failure. Everyone has been expecting this since I started driving her in my junior year of high school (Don't pretend you haven't).

My best friend moving from Meadow Valley and my car's demise could have been the knockout punches on me after a year of body blows, but instead, it's been a great week for the most part and it's left me hopeful for 2006: Paul's new place is great and now I'm driving a fuckin' Cadillac.

So, this December 31, I am looking forward to leaving the broken dreams, burned bridges, regrets, and just the general bullshit in the past. I am looking forward to a year with far less of those things and far more kicking of ass.

I'm going to have a great 2006. This New Year's Eve will be a celebration of the year ahead...now...just where the fuck am I going to have that celebration, goddammit?!

"There was no point in looking back. Fuck no. Not today, thank you kindly." HST

I'm going home for a couple weeks. Recharge and reassess are the names of the game.

"Suicidal Thoughts" by Notorious B.I.G.

I'm done.

"Basketball Jones" by Cheech and Chong/"Shooting Hoops" by G. Love and Special Sauce

I played some basketball Friday night. I watch basketball all the time and consider myself a pretty big fan, but I don't play very often. I mean, I shoot some free throws from time to time. Well, actually pretty often...but I don't actually play, so I was kind of surprised when I actually jumped up high enough to touch the rim. I didn't dunk, mind you, but I actually got up and got part of my hand in the basket.

I know, what you're thinking: "Jobes, you're like 6'3". Why are you so excited about touching the rim?" Well, kiss my ass, I don't play basketball very often.

So, now I'm thinking, I should play basketball more often. A lot more often. I mean, "I'm-goin'-out-for-a-schola'shiiip" often. Sooner or later, I'm going to dunk. I was beginning to seriously doubt I was ever going to have the hops to dunk, but now I'm pretty sure I can. I'm still going to play lacrosse, though.

Ok. Enough hoop dreams. Now for the important stuff.

My former roommate, Wayne, is going to the Navy this week. Even though we don't get to hang out often, I still consider him one of my best, closest friends. I wish him the best as he moves into this new chapter of his life. Also, good luck to him and his new fiance, Kayla. Mad love, y'all. Be safe, bro.

On a related note, his going-away party was awesome. It was great getting to see Wayne before he leaves. I got to see some other folks I went to school with up there, too, which was nice. I didn't feel depressed overall for the first time in a long time. I loved it.

Editor's Note: I shot +7 at Francis Park in Miami Saturday. Trust me that's not bad at that park in the wind.

The Jobey Poll
Is Gilgamesh Rex going to get a foot in his ass? Metaphorically speaking, of course.