Beltwaybandit’s Top Moment of 2008

Since today is the last day of 2008, I believe it is fitting to post today my top moment of 2008.

May 19-26, 2008

Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica.  On May 19th, my lovely bride and I made the trek down to Jamaica.  We arrived late on May 19th for our wedding/honeymoon.  It was a long day, the 19th; however, we finally made it to Sandals Whitehouse on the evening of the 19th.  The following day, we spent the entire day laying out on the beach.  May 21st was the big day, where we got married on the beach.  We spent the rest of the week just lounging about and enjoying the nice Jamaica weather.  This week in May 2008 was truly the best week of the year for me.  It’s a time I will always remember, and something my wife also will remember for the rest of our lives!

Beltwaybandit’s Top Five Moments of 2008 Part 4

Here we go, my fourth best moment of 2008.

November 4, 2008

Even though I definitely don’t agree with most of Barack Obama’s policies and politics, I can’t help but choose election day this year as one of my top five moments of 2008.  I couldn’t believe the turnout this election cycle.  Never before had I ever had to wait in line for more than an hour to cast my ballot. 

What was even more impressive to me was that for the first time in our history, we elected an African-American as president.  I knew we would eventually do so, it just didn’t dawn on me that it would happen this year.  As I mentioned previously, even though I don’t agree with Barack Obama’s politics, I definitely see and understand the historical significance of this momentous event.  This is an event that I will never forget.

Beltwaybandit’s Top Five Moments of 2008 Part 3

Here we go…  Moment #3.

April 2008

Verizon Center, Washington, DC.  For the first time in 5 years, my favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals, made the playoffs by winning the SE Division on the last day of the regular season.  I don’t think I had ever been more excited about the Caps than I had on that day when the Caps clinched.  Sure, we drew the Flyers and lost in triple overtime in game 7, but the fact remains, we made the playoffs, and thus, expectations were risen for this current season, which sees the Caps in 1st place in the division.

During the playoffs, the Verizon Center was rocking like nothing I had ever seen before.  The crowds were large, and the atmosphere awesome!  I still can’t believe it that the Caps played in the playoffs.  The final loss in game 7 left a very sour taste in my mouth; however, unlike the loss to the Lightning in 2003, it wasn’t a feeling of despair, because I know that the Caps have a great future with the talent on the roster.

The Caps making the playoffs this season has truly been one of the highlight moments of 2008 for me.

Beltwaybandit’s Top Five Moments of 2008 Part II

Here we go, another top moment of 2008 for me.  Remember, they are in no particular order, aside from the last one I will post about, that’s the best moment of 2008.

May 18, 2008

Staunton, VA, Mary Baldwin’s Commencement.  I woke up early this Sunday, and made the trek with my brother to Staunton, VA, for Mary Baldwin’s commencement, as my sister graduated from that fine all-girl’s institution with her bachelor’s in history.  It was a beautiful day for a commencement even though it was drizzling slightly at the beginning of the ceremony.  I can’t think of a day where I was prouder of my sister.  She worked hard these past four years, and it was great to witness such a wonderful accomplishment for my little sister.

We made it through the commencement ceremony, helped move my sister’s stuff out of her dorm room, had lunch, and we made our way back home.  My sister is definitely going to have a bright future now that she’s completed her college degree.  This day was definitely one of the highlight days of the year, and of my life.  Good job, Munchkin!!!

Beltwaybandit’s Top Five Moments of 2008 Part One

Wow!  What a year 2008 has been!  I have had quite the year and for the end of the year, I would like to begin a series of posts, over the course of the next few days, to document what I think are the best moments of the calendar year.  These will be in no particular order, with the exception of the last one I will post, which will be the best moment of 2008.  So here goes…

May 10, 2008

Fredericksburg, VA, UMW’s Centennial Commencement.  It was a wet and rainy day on this morning, an important morning for me.  I woke up early to make the trek down to historic Fredericksburg, VA, to receive my Masters in Business Administration.  I began the program in May 2005, and completed my academic requirements in March 2008.  Such an important and happy day for me this year.  My whole family was present, along with my wife.

It was pretty much your standard commencement.  A lot of people were in attendance, and the obvious, fighting for a parking spot.  We got started on time; however, with the rain, it seemed to go on forever.  That, and Senator John Warner, our commencement speaker, spoke for what seemed like all morning.  Everyone was pretty wet by the time the ceremony concluded.  Fortunately, the weather cleared up in time to get some pictures of the event.

It definitely a huge honor to be a member of the centennial class of UMW, and it is something I will cherish and tell my kids and grandkids, in the future.  It is my hope that having earned an MBA, it will open many doors of opportunity for me in 2009 and beyond.

First Post

Hello!  This blog is going to be a place where I ramble about whatever interests me at the current time.  My blog will serve as a living, breathing conversation on a variety of topics.  Mainly for my own purpose and for my friends and family to read, but I welcome others to read and comment on anything that I have to say!