2007 In Review
What a crazy year. 2007 Has by far turned out to be the busiest year of my life. 07 took me on such an emotional roller coaster. My days saw an unequal mix of humility, gratitude, paranoia and megalomania. I do not feel compelled to essay the events of the past year, though I do want to bench mark them, so I’ve complied a couple lists and questions that will catalog 2007 for me.
Break Down of “big” events of 2007. (In sequential Order)
1. Went to Disney World.
2. Got a new job writing software for the NYSDMV.
3. Underwent Radiation Therapy to my entire mantle and parts of my abdomen.
4. Bought A House.
5. Began recommended physiologic treatments to deal with the emotional aftermath of fighting with cancer.
6. Found out that in 2008 I am going to be a father.
7. Went To Disney World Again.
8. Reconnected with some old friends I’d been missing.
9. My fears of illness passing to my unborn son, because of Chemotherapy and Radiation treatment, were put to rest.
10. Was given fantastic odds against the cancer coming back again.
Questions To Myself and My Answers
What surprised you the most in 2007?
Without a doubt that would be my wife. 07 was really a year of personal and spiritual growth for me, and I can honestly say I felt she was growing with me in all aspects. Not only has my love for her grown, but my respect and admiration for her has deepened as well. 2007 really confirmed for me that the best of our relationship is still waiting for us somewhere.
What personal goal were realized in 2007?
(1) I read and studied much more that I usually do.
(2) I’ve also written much more. I’ve been keeping a journal for the better part of the year and am pleased with how rewarding this simple act has been. (Blog Note: As a matter of fact, all the my personal blog posts on myspace and paulhobson.com have just been revised and/or condensed journal entries that I’ve written.)
(3) I’ve learned so much about people, behaviors and spiritual matters this year just by paying more attention to my surroundings. I feel I’ve slightly “upped” my level of awareness. From what I understand, this is a particularly hard task for a man to accomplish.
(4) I feel that I have grown personally, at least with myself. The circumstances I have faces had led me to question just about everything that I say I believe in and forced myself to ask questions that I knew I would like the answer to. I am better for this.
(4) I have grown in my professional field and trade by leaps and bounds. This is largely due to the change in my employment and working in an office of very competent and helpful individuals. Even scripts and applications that I had written at the beginning of the year appear novice and sloppy compared to my development skills now.
What are your personal goals for 2008?
(1) First and foremost I’m going to build up a spirit of gratitude. I’ve been living in a self bubble for the past few years. Fighting a serious medical illness really has a way of making your world really small and breeding an unhealthy and unwarranted since of entitlement. I would really like to step out of this egocentric realm and start being thankful for every second of my life.
(2)I’d like to read even more. I read more books in 2007 than any other year of my life and was surprised how much I enjoyed it.I don’t want to staple schedule out, but I would like to try and at least get through a book a month.
(3)I think I’m going to begin researching my family history. I know virtually nothing about my family history and with Spunky on his way, I think I want to be able to tell him about his family roots.
(4) I say this every year, but I really want to start working out. I don’t need to get buff, I just want to look good naked.
(5) This may not be realistic at all with a baby on the way, but I’d like to get back down to Washington DC at some point. We’ll see.
What was your favorite movie you saw in 2007?
Pan’s Labyrinth
Favorite Music?
John Mayer - Specifically the Heavier Thing release. I know it’s old, but I never listened to the entire CD before now.
Favorite Book?
Reaching for the invisible God, by Phillip Yancy.
Favorite Game?
Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. I got lost in that world for hours on end and even got a little emotional at the end of the story.
What lessons did you learn in 2007?
(1) Never talk to the monkey when the organ grinder is in the room.
(2) You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) make excuses for yourself.
(3) There is an extraordinary amount of freedom associated with being honest with yourself.
(4) If you have your health, you really do have everything.
Naming Names
As I eluded to many times before; 2007, though a good year, was a very trying year. I would not have been able to function as I was if it wasn’t for an immense support network made up of my wife, my immediate family, my friends, as well as the people in my church who I know were praying for me. I owe each and every one of you a heartfelt thank you and Starbucks coffee.
However outside of wife and my family, there are a few people who have really been there for me this year, and I’m naming names. Paul, Danielle, Greg, John, Becky W., and Mike… thanks guys… and I really mean it.
Christmas Carols
I’ve never really listened to the words of Christmas carols before. I’ve heard them, I know most of them by heart, but for some reason up until this year none of them have ever really struck a cord with me before. Then I think I figured it out. I was listening to Kevin Max sing out O Little Town of Bethlehem and one of the phrases in the songs jumped out of my iPod and smacked me across the face:
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
I believe there are two components involved with making this one statement actually mean something to you. First and most prominent, you have to understand the reason for the birth of Jesus. I “get” this. I’ve been taught this reason all my life. Though it is no less powerful today that it was 2007 years ago, simply by repetitive saturation throughout my 27 years, this alone doesn’t stir immediate reactions within me.
The second component is so obvious, so necessary, yet so easy to coast over. For this statement to have impact you have to have “Hopes and Fears”. Up until these past few years I don’t think I’ve every really had things weigh so heavy on my heart. Oh sure I thought I did, but in reality I had no ideal what it meant to hope and fear in the same breath.
I really love this time of year.
Life Update in 100 Words
I did something so incredible stupid this week that I can’t even mention what it was. I just want you all to know that when you’re out and about this holiday season and you think you did or said something stupid you can just say to yourself, “Well, at least it wasn’t as stupid as that thing that Paul Hobson did.” - Because I promise you that it wasn’t. I’m stupid sometimes.
Also, my brother finally got his Xbox 360 and live account. I’m very happy about this. Looking forward to some night that are just like the old days.
Life Numbers
LIFE NUMBERS
The Life Path is the sum of the birth date. This number represents who you are at birth and the native traits that you will carry with you through life. The most important number that will be discussed here is your Life Path number. The Life Path describes the nature of this journey through life.
MY NUMBER: 9
The Life Path 9 suggests that you entered this plane with an abundance of dramatic feelings coupled with a strong sense of compassion and generosity. The key to the nature of a Life Path number 9 person is found in their humanitarian attitude. Even the very average of those with life path 9 possess extremely compassionate tendencies.
Usually this number produces an individual that is very trustworthy and honorable, and one unlikely to harbor any sort of prejudice. Obviously, this is a rather tall order, but you are, in fact, a person that feels very deeply for individuals less fortunate than yourself, and if you are in a position to help, you certainly will. The 9, being the highest of the single digit numbers, holds an elevated position in terms of responsibilities to mankind.
Material gains are not overly important, although the quality of some life path 9 people is such that they are materially rewarded in very significant ways. In this, however, the 9 Life Path is not apt to get rich since they are very generous, sometimes to a fault, and usually have an easy come, easy go attitude about money. The rare 9 life path has a totally selfless attitude, giving up of material possessions for the common good.
The 9 Life Path indicates you have a commanding presence. You have the ability to make friends very easily, as people are attracted to your magnetic, open personality. The term “hail-fellow” may have been coined to describe a 9 Life Path, as you may indeed be one of those who is generally upbeat and heartily friendly and congenial. You meet people easily and are quickly befriended because of your openness and amiable demeanor. Your genial ways often put you in the lead in whatever field of endeavor you pursue.
Relationships can be difficult for you because it is hard to strike a balance that will work effectively. If your partner is one sharing your giving attitudes, the relationship will be happy and lasting. On the other hand, if you choose a partner whose focus is on material issues, problems will arise quickly.
You tend to be quite sensitive, as you see the world with much feeling. The number 9’s very deep understanding of life is sometimes manifested in the artistic and literary fields. If drama and acting is not your forte, it will surely be an area of great interest and potential. Likewise, you may be able to express your deep emotional feelings through painting, writing, music, or other art forms.
The purpose of life for those with a 9 life path is often of a philosophical nature. Judges, spiritual leaders, healers and educators frequently have much 9 energy. The number is less inclined to the competitive business environment and may find this a struggle.
As do all the life path numbers, the 9 has its negative side. Because of the demanding nature of the truly positive 9, many tend to fail in this category. It is not uncommon for persons with the 9 life path to fight the realities and challenges of purpose imposed here because selflessness is not an easy trait. You may have difficulty believing that giving and a lack of personal ambition can be satisfying. It must be realized and accepted that little long-term satisfaction and happiness is to be gained by rejecting the natural humanitarian inclinations of this path.