As 2016 closes and 2017 approaches, let me fondly look back on the amazing and fortunate year I had. I know a lot of people said this is the worst year ever, or "only in 2016" I look at it as a positive. I had so many random meetings with friends, and lots of new experiences!
It started with a phone call in mid-March. I had been half-heartedly searching for a new job because I was burnt out and playing my options. After having 2 interviews at Sam's Club with no success, I tried my luck at Target. I have been trying to apply/work there off-and-on for 15 years (literally) and within 30 minutes of submitting my application online they called for an interview, after 3 interviews during an intense thunderstorm that morning, I was officially and finally a Target team member! I really enjoy working there. I like the atmosphere, I like the people I work with, and I see SO many people I know. So thankful to be there.
Some of the new experiences: in April, I went to a dirt track in Oklahoma with a guy I know that runs dirt late models, and I was in his pits all night. For as long as I have been attending dirt-track races, this was the first time I have EVER been in the pits DURING the event! I also, on Cinco de Mayo, went to my first-ever United States Touring Modified Series (USMTS) show in Greenville. 31 cars for a Thursday night, not too bad, and the show didn't run as long as their Saturday night show, and some really good and fast cars! In June, 2 things I got to do for the first time: after going with a friend to VW of Frisco during a monsoon to meet Tanner Foust of Top Gear and Former F1 and NASCAR driver Scott Speed, he and I won tickets to the global rally races in Fair Park the next day (I didn't even know they were in town) and it worked out, we were in the pits/all access all day, and come to find out one of my friends I hadn't seen in years ended up working as the pit reporter that day, so it was awesome seeing her and getting caught up (briefly) and we definitely got back in touch that day. Getting to see the cars up close and getting ALL the autographs of the drivers was a really awesome day! The next week I went to my usual mid-summer tradition, the NASCAR Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. I went to the autograph session, but was slightly disappointed my favorite driver in the series, Rico Abreu, wasn't at the session. During the pre-race they were allowing fans on the track to make it look more "full" for the TV audience, and I was actually right at the end of the stage where the drivers walk down, they all got a fist pump from me, and I got Rico to sign my hat. Unfortunately I did not bring my camera as it was impromptu, although I have found a few pictures on facebook. So being on track and getting to greet all the drivers, was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I went to my first concert in 2 years in September. I saw 3 bands I love: Red, Disciple, and Spoken. Was an amazing night. I actually was able to get pics w/ALL the bands and Red gave me their set list and I had them all sign it. Again, something new. I usually don't bring home any kind of souvenirs from concerts.
I attended 4 weddings (no funerals...) this year. I'm thankful that friends find each other and fall in love, and I was actually the best man at a good friends wedding. Was an honor. I keep thinking that with every wedding I go to, the next one I attend will be...mine. I feel like I'm literally the last man alive. I know my time is coming and it's all in God's timing and not mine.
In July, after attending the wedding of 2 friends we headed to Arlington to watch our 2 hometown teams play each other, the Royals and the Rangers. Watched the game with my parents, 2 aunts 2 uncles 2 cousins, cousins girlfriend and her family. And once again I had another chance meeting, I saw where one of my high school friends from Lee's Summit whom I hadn't seen since 1998 wasn't sitting too far from me, we were able to meet up in between innings.
That was the theme of this year. Random meetings with old friends, and thankful for the new friendships I have made.
It seems the only thing that didn't happen to me, that I so long for, is finding someone. I tried, to no avail. Like I said previously, it's not my time yet and it will happen when it's time. Other than that, this year has been truly unforgettable and thankful for the lifetime of memories made in just one calendar year.
Let's see what 2017 has in store. No matter what happens, God holds the future!
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