2011

I wouldn't call 2011 a banner year in terms of personal growth and accomplishment, however:

• No one in my immediate family died, which was a big improvement over 2010
• Being between full-time jobs for a while turned out to be a win for me both personally (less stress) and financially (consulting engagements and a higher salary upon returning to conventional employment)
• I didn't get to drive to Mongolia but I did take a vacation to Europe
• For the first time since I moved out of my parents' house, I did not have to travel for either of Thanksgiving or Christmas

All in all, not a bad year but one that certainly fell well short of excellence.