Reviewing 2013 and Briefly Catching Up

I haven't blogged in quite a while. My last published blog was in June 2012. Way too much has happened since then, but I thought I'd do at least one blog just before the year 2013 is up. At least it wasn't as bad as the 20-month hiatus I had last time I stopped blogging.

I won't go through all, not even most that happened for me since then, nor can I offer my commentary on the things that has happened on this world since then. That would be impossible. In fact, if I'm lucky, I'll probably just briefly discuss only 1% of what I want to discuss...

Ever since I last wrote, I've taken up a new venture. Along with my laundry business, as well as my motivational business (although limited), I've taken a position as an Operations Manager for a medical import/export business for my father's business in JAGAS International. So, as you can imagine, I've had a lot in my plate. Currently, I'm still working there. I've had some valuable experience, but I would be lying to you if I didn't say that it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, there has been more valleys and rough and rocky roads. Let's just say, that being "invested" in a business (in more ways than one), with very little help, mentorship, and commitment from the CEO, without a chance for passion to develop, really takes a toll on you. Still, I think it could've made me a better person (although the jury is still out on that).

I had the Shingles, while only in my 30s. And it sucks. The commercials don't exaggerate. No further discussion.

The DC Sports scene (which I've said before is a significant passion of mine), has been interesting. All teams (other than the Washington Wizards, although with that team, we might start seeing their peaks now), has been experiencing it's peaks and valleys. The Capitals started out the lockout season in a slow manner, but went on to win their division. The Washington Nationals, had the best record in baseball in 2012, but underachieved in 2013, mostly because of pressure of high expectations. And then, there's my beloved Redskins...

(Before I give my thought on the Redskins, I will not give any commentary (as of yet), regarding the team name controversy, and whether or not it's racist. I will address this in probably a future blog post. I digress...)

The Redskins have definitely experienced their peaks and valleys as well. Last year, we drafted a magnificent rookie QB in Robert Griffin III, whom the organization and most of the fanbase believe is the franchise's long term solution in QB. They mortgaged the future and gave up several draft picks for an opportunity to pick up Robert. It paid dividends immediately, as my team won the division for the first time in 12 years. RG3 wins rookie of the year, and sets several franchise records as a rookie, and has the whole Redskins fanbase celebrating.

Then came the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. That's when everything started going downhill. The Redskins were up 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter, RG3 took a hit on the sidelines, and hasn't been the same. Later in the game, he tore his ACL and the Redskins ended up losing the game, and their season. Since then, a lot of speculated controversy took place between the coach and the QB, and that drama carried on to the season and led to a 3-13 disappointing season, and Coach Mike Shanahan and most of his staff being fired in the end of a season. Now they are in search of a new coach, with so much uncertainty in the season. Needless to say, the organization is a mess, and this fan base is restless. I for one, have and always been loyal to the Redskins, and that won't change. I have a healthy love/hate relationship with this team, as like most fans of this organization.

Obamacare: have you signed up for health insurance yet? The deadline is creeping. I like to keep my hopes up regarding the healthcare law, as I'm actually for people getting healthcare especially when they need it, but it has truly been a mess. Right now, the President is looking like a jerk, and his supporters are looking like extreme apologists.

However, Congress and politics as a whole has been a mess. Too much in-fighting going on, that it has practically divided the country. So many hot button issues, Trayvon Martin, Planned Parenthood, Gay Marriage, Trayvon Martin, etc, etc, has divided the country. And frankly, it kinda sickens me. Ever wonder why I dislike politics?

As far as everything else is concerned, regarding next generation entertainment gaming consoles, I recommend the PS4 over the XBox One, and the Wii U. I have a Wii U (as it was bought mainly for my nephew), and I haven't really tried out the other 2 systems yet, but based on graphics, playability, and bang for your buck, PS4 is the recommended system.

I've also gotten into a few TV shows. I honestly haven't really followed Modern Family and Big Bang Theory until it got into syndication, but since I've discovered them, I've been borderline obsessed. I've also gotten into watching "The Game of Thrones", which has a great story arc and a lot of plot twists (which aren't a surprise to those who read the books, or those who claim to read the books but just read the Wiki spoilers). Needless to say, GoT is one of the best shows I've seen in a while. I haven't gotten into "Breaking Bad" as of yet, but I promise I will, as it is highly acclaimed everywhere.

I've also gotten into the Gangnam Style craze, along with the billions of people around the world... for the 30 seconds it has lasted. Those crazy South Koreans. Never gotten into that Harlem Shake craze though.

But regarding 2013, it's been a mixed bag for me. There were days when I felt really low and lost a lot and have been utterly disappointed that I haven't been able to accomplish some personal goals, but there were also other days when I felt so blessed and lucky to be where I am today and have gone farther than I am a few years ago.

As far as plans for 2014... I know for sure that it has some potential to be a good year. I say that every year, but I mean it this year, as I feel I have planted a lot of seeds in 2013 to make 2014 an even better year. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say that I think 2014 can potentially be a milestone year for me. After all, I'm turning 33 in 2014, which I think is a significant age for me.

I've written a lot more than I honestly planned to write. But, if you are reading this, thank you for reading, and where ever you are, have a safe and happy New Year. And also, I want to remind you that "You Are Awesome"! ;)

#OBE