On a personal level, 2011 was essentially every coming of age, youth in revolt, buddy film you could possibly imagine. Along with the personal aspect, 2011 was a fascinating year to live through. I started off 2011 with a sense of accomplishment. I entered that year as a wide eyed college graduate ready to take on all obstacles. Fresh with partially completed bucket list–I resolved to make the new year mine. In a way I believe I accomplished thas goal. The year 2011 was filled with grand highs and low lows. Sure this time of year you will be bombarded with “Best/Worst” list but I hope to add a personal touch.

The year started off like any other for me. A NYE party in Libertyville IL, complete with open bar and an awesome live band. The month of January was a mix of ups and downs, as if a theme for the year was developing. Great times involving MWM antics, t-shirt companies, accompanied by the likes of Brett Favre exposing himself and my car being broken into, to this day not sure which bothers me more.

As the months progressed it dawned on me that I was living a stunted life. Still living in a college town, doing all the things college kids do(in my defense several of my friends were attending classes) all while getting paid under 9 bucks an hour. My 2011 transformation was almost as revolutionary as the events that occurred through the year. While Ball State students and, undoubtedly, the majority of 20-sometings were moving like Bernie the Arab Spring was occurring. 2011 also was not a good year for the enemies of America. We got to say goodbye to Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and Kim Jong-Il.

Spring 2011 was one that really cemented just how weird the year was for me. Steven Colbert, Katy Perry, and an unknown Rebecca Black finally gave Friday some credit. I didn’t get raptured, even though I’m pretty sure no one else did. Wakarusa music festival was an amazing event, anytime you have the opportunity to jump into a waterfall take it.

Summer 2011 was the catalyst season for me. Fresh off of waterfall jumping and camping the month of June was full of finally watching “Human Centipede.” There are things you cannot unsee and this film is one of them. June 20th will be a memorable day for me, it marked the last day I was a resident of Muncie, Indiana, I’ve practically lived there for 5 years. June slowly turned into July, which was full of employers not hiring me and a bit of a rut. August saw me using Google+ the way it was intended for, sharing music videos of well known songs, and start my short lived career as substitute teacher. Summer was also a grand time for my ginger self to go to Lake Michigan as often as possible. Proving my point that any beer, even warmish Busch Light, tastes better outside in the sun.

While the calender turned from August to September a few things stuck out to me. The “Occupy Wall Street” movement started, the Cubs were vying not to finish last place in the NL Central. My job search took me to Indianapolis, where inspiration for several of my articles came from. The Ball State Football Cardinals proved that they could actually win games against Big Ten teams again (See the BSU/IU Game). October saw another Halloween come and go, my first real “Alumni Homecoming” aptly dubbed “Bro-Coming.” Television was also a highlight for October, the return of HBO’s “How to Make it in America” and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” provided excellent conversation for MWM.

The philanthropist inside of me came out in November…err wait I meant “Movember.” Growing a moustache for men’s health issues was a great experience. We raised well over $100 and plan to exceed that number greatly next year!  After months of job searching I became an employee of Greenpeace in Chicago. December involved me mainly working and getting into the swing of things as a gainfully employed member of society in one of the greatest cities in the world.

As 2011 comes to an end I have only memories and Facebook timeline to hold on to. Friendships were formed, tested, strengthened, and rekindled. I am now sans four wisdom teeth, and have sampled a total vegan meal. I also end the year with a few regrets. How in the Hell did I miss the royal wedding? 2012 has a positive feel to it, and I only say that because I am not spending this article discussing anything political. 2012 is going to be great. Simple as that. My resolution this year is to be less hesitant. Writing this article made me reflect on the year that was and was not. It was positive and negative. The year was one of transition, experience, and life lessons.