This past year was a memorable one indeed.

After several months of on-again/off-again
belly-achin' about my job at the Michigan News
Agency, through the help of one Mr. Brian Mansberger, I procured myself at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Just a few days after my 29th birthday, I started into the world of Information Technology.
A 'real' job so to speak, chock full of bueauracry that would drive me just as nuts as the MNA
had in the past. However, I was more than happy to get away from the certifable nutjobs that
had their daily visits into my world, as well as my very wonderful, but very neurotic and
'nut-jobby in her own special and endearing way' boss.

The other major milestone for me this year would be my marriage to my wonderful girl of almost
five years, Allison K. Spicer. Touted by many as "the best wedding I've ever been to!"
I don't think I could have imagined a more perfect day. Beautiful weather, a sweet ride -- thanks to an awesome father-in-law, an awesome turnout, an awesome 'minister' -- who spent the reception with beer in one hand, cigarette in the other; great and personally meaningful vows sans any mention of one g-o-d, a crying wife, wonderfully perfect toasts by our wonderful maids and men, a crying groom, three wonderful non-weddning type DJs (Ivo, Ed, and Matt,) wonderful food and drink, and plenty of ass-shakin'. A special thanks to Ms. Colleen Wolpert for her photographic work, forever capturing our special day.

Other memorable moments:

The closing of the Space.

A post-wedding trip to the 'Near South' including stops in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Louisville,
Bowling Green, Nashville, Cincinatti, Colombus, Cleveland. The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame,
my new favorite jeans, great eats in Nashville, learning that value-priced motels aren't necessarily worth saving $20, the taking full advantage of the value in Thrifty Rent-A-Car's unlimited milage rate.

1977 Mopeds grand opening, well spent money for services at 1977 Mopeds. Kalamazoo will remain Moped City USA due to Dan's excellent work and perserverence.
K-Zoo is lucky to have you, Dan.

Trading the mini-van for a moped.

Moving into the Keenway Apartment complex. Having to endure 'White-trash-ville' to save on rent.
Worth it? Maybe. Annoying? Yes. Entertaining? Hells yeah! Across the hall neighbors getting
evicted? Priceless.

New friendships with John Tod. I can't believe I've reinstated your love of music, (wish others would recognize that I am a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the cool tunes,) and you reinstating my facination with WH40K, computer gaming, etc. Who'da thought?
You will be in my thoughts this year no matter where I end up.
I hope that whatever happens you will remain strong and true to yourself.

Kelly, Beans, and Mr. James, you rock as well.

I got caught up in the Friendster/MySpace phenom - filled out countless surveys, and heard from some people I was surprised to hear from.

A couple of trips to Chi-town with my brother. Who could ask for a better sibling. We both like to record shop, we both love Chicago. WEEKEND records, the VENUS party w/ Adult. and
hott DJs/hotter dancing! And hosts!!, who can leave out the fact that Ivo, Andrea, Peanut, and
Pierson, are great hosts! The Dudes rank up there, along with Miss Tomlin, Tim the Red, and the Human Torch - Miles Raymer.
BTW note to Miss Annie -- my brother apologizes profusely for you having to endure the fajita meat at dinner... he was so embarrassed after I told him that you don't eat meat!

Show Highlights:

Q and Not U/French Toast @ Kraftbrau. Hell. It was an awesome show.
Watching J. Franta and J. Upson spazz out to the sounds of the Q, a rousing politic-jam, talking hockey and b-ball with John Davis and connecting with Harris and Chris a little more, paying both bands well beyond what I owed them... and making some money ta boot! Can't beat that.

The Constantines/Don Cabellero @ Kraftbrau. My most emo moment ever!
After a rousing performance by the Constantines, and being recognized by Bri, I HUGGED the guy... sweaty shirt and all. I was just so WOWED!! I grabbed the guy and hugged him hard.
Don Cab was a joke. My memory of them marred forever by a bunch of stand-in's half-assed performance interrupted by some guy threatening to kill Damon Che. Sound like Don Cab antics/happenings? You bet.

Taking Pictures/Lungfish @ the Empty Bottle, CHICAGO - An evening excursion to the Empty Bottle with J. Franta(stic) included a rousing performance by Taking Pictures (surpassing the lackluster performance on their album... no wonder they want to have it issued on vinyl, a little remastering perhaps?) ...seeing Shannin and Cale - former co-workers at Southern Records, an amazing performance by Lungfish, just the right amount of beer-drinking, culminating with near-death on the drive back to Kalamazoo.

As this was long winded... stay tuned... tomorrow will give predictions/resolutions for 2004.