Out with the old, in with the new...year

I know this sounds strange, but New Year's is my favorite holiday.  I know it's an odd one to have as a favorite.  Most people prefer Christmas or Halloween or even 4th of July.  But not me.  There's just something about even the mere illusion of a fresh start with the turning of the calendar that I am drawn to. 

My (baseball-related) highlights of 2007

- My BIG trip to California, where I got to spend some time with Jennifer and Mayra.  We enjoyed Disneyland, Medieval Times, the beach (briefly), people watching in a hotel (ha ha) and, of course, baseball.  It was a fabulous trip!! I only wish I could have stayed longer!

- Getting to eight Rangers games.  That's quite a feat, considering I live 900 miles away from their home park and more than 200 miles from the closest opponent's park.  I saw my boys in Anaheim (obviously), Kansas City and Minneapolis.  Their record with me in attendance was not great -- 2-6.  Then again, their record on the whole season wasn't great, so I'll try not to take it personally.

- I started this blog, which has not only been a great outlet for me, but has opened the door for some new friendships.  After losing my closest friend in Rangers fandom nearly two years ago, this blog is filling a huge void.

- Collecting quite a few autographs from Rangers players (in the majors and minors), including Gerald Laird, Brad Wilkerson, Wes Littleton, Sammy Sosa, John Rheinecker, Kameron Loe (yes, again), C.J. Wilson, A.J. Murray, Mike Wood, Jason Botts, Tug Hulett (*sniff* now property of the Mariners *sniff*), Nate Gold, Freddy Guzman, Kevin Mahar, Chris Baker and Chris Stewart.

Miscellaneous highlights (non-baseball related)

- Seeing Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers four times.  I loved each show for a different reason, and I'm so glad I was introduced to this band. 

- 2nd row at John Mayer in Des Moines.  Enough said.

- Concert trips to Oklahoma City and Omaha to see the aforementioned Mayer with some fabulous friends.  My trip to OKC also included some baseball, with a brief trip to the Ballpark.

- Seeing/meeting several presidential candidates including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Mitt Romney and Tom Tancredo. Regardless of whether they get my vote or not, it was still impressive to be in their presence.

- My first season as an Iowa State football season ticket holder.  Okay, so it wasn't the most successful start, but the wins I saw were pretty fun!!

- My involvement with the Relay for Life, which raised more than $30K.

Things I'm looking forward to in 2008

- Catching 11 Rangers games...in Minnesota, KC and hopefully Baltimore (if this works out, I can also add another ballpark to my collection).

- Hopefully getting some more autographs from my favorite players.  And maybe a photo or two.

- A trip to DFW in April for a wedding.  Sadly, I will miss Opening Day by two days.  Grrr!

- The first ever 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines.  I've also jumped on board the planning committee, so my spring and summer are going to be VERY busy.

- Another successful Relay For Life.