End of the Year Starting a New

While at a friend's house in Nashville, it suddenly hit me... it's New Year's Eve! As I sit here at the end of another year, I realize that could to do a little reflecting over the past twelve months or just watch T.V. and veg out. The latter is what I really want to do, but I’ll try to do a little of the former.
This time last year I was eating dinner with some friends and their family just north of Reykjavik, Iceland. I was eating some exotic Iceland foods such as smoked reindeer, puffin, and goose that my friend Atli shot, and having a few celebratory libations. Then just before midnight, I went with Gunni and some of his friends up to Halgrims Kjirk (Church) to watch thousands of fireworks ringing around the city of Reykjavik (like an artillery barrage). It was like a fun version of "shock & awe." The next day, with a slight headache, I walked to the harbor and around the city of Reykjavik thinking about what this New Year 2005 would bring.... this is what it brought:
Relationally: I dated two different women, went out with three or four more, but still managed not to find anyone that I want to spend the rest of my life with... their might be one, but the timing isn't right right now for either of us.
Friendships: made a ton of new friends while living in Europe, some that might last a lifetime; strengthened existing friendships; lost touch (unfortunately) with some; and survived some rocky times in others. All and all.... I’m thankful for the blessings that friends have been in my life. Friends and family are one of life's true priorities and they take work to maintain.
Family: the week before Christmas, we spent about a week with dad's family... two sisters, a brother, one brother-n-law, along with my dad and step-mom in North Carolina.... it was the first time that we all had spent any length of time together since I was in college (over 10 years ago). it felt a lot like old (good) times, yet was a bit different... like my sisters have kids now (they didn't back then =-) and we're all over 21. It was really a wonderful time getting to know my kid brother and sister as grown-ups. We had some great conversations.... the surprise of the week was getting to know more about my brother's Filipino Girlfriend. It almost proves the adage - the more things change the more they stay the same (except for our waistlines).
Mom turned 70 years old in December, but she looks and acts like someone 10 years younger. I’m so proud of her. She’s an awesome woman and a great friend.
For those who didn't know, I have a ton of extended family in Iceland - more there than in the USA. My mom has a brother and had a half brother and sister (deceased) and between them they have about 10 children (cousins) and many grandchildren (2nd cousins). Also, my great aunt had three sons and they each had several kids. My cousin Oddur was the one who really encouraged me and helped me apply to Icelandic parliament for my dual Icelandic citizenship. I'm fairly close with many of them... I love my family and am so thankful for them. They are great!
Law School/Career: Last Spring, I interned with the Florida House of Representatives in the Insurance Committee. That experience was very fun! Watching the legislative "process" was very addictive. I really loved it and am seriously considering this work full-time. I am fortunate to be working there again in the Spring.
Last Summer, I interned in the Office of Florida Supreme Court Justice Harry Lee Anstead. I was basically a clerk for one of his law clerks... I really enjoyed that and plan to apply for a vacancy when one arises.
Last Fall, I went to The Hague, Netherlands, to intern with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. I worked on a trial team in the Office of the Prosecutor on Bosnian Serb crimes. I got to know some wonderful people. My flat mates and fellow interns shared some excellent adventures… including a trip to Oktoberfest!
Travels: most of my travels began when I went to Holland to intern with the ICTY. In just under four months, I traveled to Amsterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht, and Delft (Holland); to Berlin and Munich (Germany); Linz and Vienna (Austria); Sarajevo and Mostar (Bosnia); Rome and Milan (Italy); Caen, Normandy Beaches, and Paris (France); Bruges, Gent, and Antwerp (Belgium); and Prague (Czech Republic). You can find some of my photos here on this blog.
God: I continue to remain a believer in Jesus and try to follow Him. I’m far from perfect and let others know that when sharing my faith with them. As I get older, I am becoming more humble regarding absolutes… I firmly believe that Jesus is the only Way to really know God, because He said it and He rose from the dead. However, I know in the end, God will be just when it comes to sorting out who really follow and know Him. I believe that faith is more of a journey than an objective and that it’s ultimately God’s Grace and not my Karma that dictates my final destination. I rely more on His grace and less on my works… I’m trying to unlearn old religious habits and replace them with a true relationship and spiritual disciplines. This past year was not so good in the spiritual disciplines, but I hope this new year will be better. As a wise man said, let’s follow Him together.
As New Year 2006 approaches, I hope to travel more, start my legal career, deepen my relationship with God, grow in my relationship with my friends and family, and find love… I hope that you achieve similar goals too. I welcome your comments and thoughts
Happy New Year and Many Blessings!