365

I began this blog 365 days ago because I have a terrible memory. Terrible. In my first years in the working world and my first 4 months at business school, I found myself so focused on getting through my work that often days bled into weeks and months, and occasionally I would look around and not remember a thing about what had just happened. Sure there would be bits and pieces that would stick out, but I wondered how different it would be if I stopped trying to power through days and started trying to make each day unique and memorable. This resolution was my attempt. If I could find something worth noting in each day, maybe I'd start remembering all the days and would remember what my year had been made of. For the crazy group of people who actually read this blog on anywhere near a regular basis, I hope that provided some humor or gave you a way to see what I've been up to without having to listen to me drone on about income statements or evolution on the phone.

So have I been able to remember more? Here's what I remember were the highlights of 2009:

- I only insulted my mother once (on this blog), and I believe that's a success.

- 81 different restaurants in New York City, one for every day I spent there this summer.

- The sunset over the Hudson River. I realized I didn't yet have a picture of the day on my walk home, so I took a random turn feeling adventurous and saw the most spectacular sunset.

- I was robbed and lost my purse in the same week. It would have been terrifying if not for my friends, who gave me a place to stay, a credit card, $200, a hand, and a laugh.

- Signed with a firm and am ecstatic to return to NYC full time, where I will begin the process of getting everyone I care about in a 10 mile radius of each other.

- I was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Who gets bitten by a brown recluse?

- Amy and Robert, Jura and Piers got married.

- The first of my friends announcing they are expecting babies.

- I spent time in Maryland, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Argentina, England, and the Isle of Man

- I sailed the Long Island Sound and Jeff got "strep"

- I visited Austin and boated on the Tokyo Sunshine.

- I saw Barack Obama inaugurated from the press box on the mall.

- I shot fireworks with Neal's neighbor off of his back porch.

- My avocado tree grew from a seed to a two feet tall beast.

- I had a white Christmas.

- I rafted the Gauley and New rivers in West Virginia.

- I hiked the red rocks of Zion and Bryce.

- I invented sea kayak surfing.

- Most importantly, I made memories with the people I care about.

In the coming year, I will no longer be taking a picture each day. I've always thought I wanted to spend my life in a series of adventures, so why not start now? Therefore, 2010 will be the year of 100 adventures, and I'll record each here.

Goodbye 2009! For once, I'll sort of remember you!

364

Nicki arrived and the new years celebrations began with a glass of red at the club and lamb chops. We went shopping for pretty princess dresses and sparkly shoes. Hard to believe this is my second to last picture of 2009! On the way home from Adams Morgan, we found these two camels on a romantic date.

Miles left: -23

363

Watched Avatar in 3D IMAX. I think the large lady in it is alien Pocahontas. After dinner, I came to play more, you guessed it, Boggle. Anyone who likes Boggle is ok in my book. Here the cousins stand around the TV reenacting a favorite family pose - the drinking of the wine.

Miles left: -15

362

Lunch with Victoria in Frederick! I wish she lived closer than 1,000 miles away from me.

Tommy, Karen, and the folks came to celebrate Tommy turning 25. We were going to go out afterwards to Dave and Busters, which is the tradition, we stayed up til 3am playing Boggle and Taboo. It..was...awesome.

Miles left: -13

361

A day of shopping in Staunton and family time! This is the sign for the creepy halfway house now nice hotel that we stayed in.

Miles left: -13

360

The whole family packed into the car for Staunton. We stopped by Lewis Mountain to find the house blissfully unrobbed and continued on for my Dad's 60th birthday dinner. I bumbled through a toast that I hope showed how much my dad means to me. It involved an example of him running through the playground with silver dollars for eyes and a bandana for a pirate hat.

Miles left: -9

359

Merry Christmas! The Sprouls celebrated Christmas as we always do: stockings, one present, a breakfast of orange Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and velveeta cheesy eggs (Anna and I still alternate who gets the cup and who gets the lid from the icing from the rolls), the remainder of the presents, food coma, extendo family time with Cathy and the boys, Gaga time to hear about the "young" woman who Gaga laughs at because she yells at carolers to shut up, further food coma, and an early bed.

This little snowman was on the top of our bouche de noel. I thought he and his mushroom macaroon friends were adorable.

Miles left: -9

358

I wrapped, napped, and thoroughly enjoyed my Christmas Eve, which ended with midnight mass at Metropolitan. Here Anna shows off her Hunter wellies by trudging through the untouched snow as we had to go around. Little does she know, she has a Barbour utility jacket waiting under the Christmas tree to match the wellies... along with an all-expenses paid trip to New York from her sissy! If she played Farmville, I'd also be giving her a sheep. Unfortunately she frowns upon digital horses and watermelons.

Miles left: -7

357

In the spirit of Christmas, I spent the evening catching up with a line up of old faces, eating those familiar steak quesadillas and paper thin chips of Cactus Cantina, and being warned by Maury that Mrs. T's Christmas cocktail would have me prone in no time.

Miles left: -7

356

Another relaxing day at home. I walked into Bethesda to meet Ganny for lunch at Cafe D, met my mom for a jog and a swim, had dinner at Masa 14 and bopped down to the Lincoln Center for a showing of the Fantasticks. Cutesy, a little old-fashioned, and very predictable but nice. Because I've been to a musical before, I knew it would be about young love, would involve a moment of heartache, and would end with everyone happy. The Fantasticks is about a 16 and 20 year old who fall in love, fight, leave home for a month, get beaten and have a valued necklace stolen, and then find each other again. Oh and there's a creepy older man who was integral in a scene titled "The Abduction Ballet" which is just about the creepiest ballet I have ever laid witness to. That 16 year old had a touch of Stockholm if you ask me. Oh did I mention the abductor was also a clown? I know. How creepy can you get! When the 16 year old protagonist and creepy Stockholm clown kidnapper were dating, she changed into a strange patriotic ensemble involving sequins in odd places and a miniature skirt. I really liked the magic tricks in the play but I did not care for Luisa's trip to tinseltown with the clown-abductor.

Quote of the day (from the Fantasticks): Face it, Mortimer. There are no small parts. Only small actors.

Miles left: -7

355

Day three of no Darden email and I have yet to attempt to recover it. I heart the holidays. Here is Anna cleaning off her car. Not before... AFTER cleaning off her car. That's right. That is the finished product of 30 minutes of hard shoveling work. Come on nature! Cut Bluey some slack. He's just a little guy and you have overwhelmed him with your wintry discharge.

Miles left: -2

354

It's official! I finished the 1,000 miles. Due to meteorological constraints, I have been unable to run the majority of my last miles outside, but I did leave the last 0.05 miles for the icy air. I ran with Anna up the block, did a quick Sproulie leap in the 24 inches of wintertime bliss, and continued our walk to Gaga's place to explain to her why Identity Theft Protection wasn't useful to her when she a) isn't using her credit cards online b) isn't using her credit cards at all c) puts her only expenses (food and trips to the in-house hair salon) on a monthly tab. So no thank you, Chase, we won't be taking the monthly fee. But Gaga looks forward to the program information that you promised to send her in the mail.

Miles left: 0

353

SnowMG. We woke up on Saturday morning to a white-out world. Above is what 24 hours of solid snowing can do. My car is unrecognizable, Anna's car is completely covered except for its little waving rearview mirror, and our Christmas lights are left to shine mutedly underneath 4 inches of white. The family trudged through the bliss to a Ledo's pizza lunch, a visit with Gaga, Starbucks and the Giant, and home. Nothing is more relaxing than being trapped inside with no where to go.

I also realized when reviewing my spreadsheet that I'd left out a 15 mile run in October, and suddenly it looks like tomorrow will be the day I meet my 1,000 mile goal! And with 10 days to spare.

Miles left: 3

352

I love being at home! I woke up at 11am to meet my dad for a pancake breakfast at the Original House of Pancakes. Nothing beats cheap maple syrup, powdered sugar, and old pictures of Bethesda (which, in the 1940s, was considered the "Gateway to Washington DC, the Washington Country Club District" - nice, that should make it easy for the kids to make friends at school). My mom and I braved the cold weather to visit a coworker's Christmas party, where I caught up with an old friend and eagerly pointed people out who I knew but who blank-stared back at me. We rushed off to the grocery store afterwards which frankly was like Lord of the Flies. It was if disease had struck the Metro area and the only cure was Giant's produce, dairy products, and hamburger meats. I wouldn't have been surprised if, in addition to the massive lines and lack of all perishable goods, we'd seen a child from Great Expectations huddling around a large pine-scented three-wick candle... because that was the only item left in the store. We almost didn't make it up the hill into Fort Sumner as fat flakes of snow silently barraged our two-wheel drive car and slickened the empty DC-gateway roads.

Whilst late night surfing, I discovered Das Uber Vish, the raging blog sensation that can be found on the computers of youths in such countries as Germany and Brazil.

Miles left: 9

351

Lessons and Carols at the cathedral! Ran into eleventy billion NCS and STA kids throughout the service, and was SHOCKED at what NCS girls wear these days. Since when did my high school become so promiscuous!? Good gracious, ladies. I saw more leg than I'd seen all week (and that says a lot if you were staying in my Aspen house). We followed the service up (slash left during the ninth lesson) with a quesadilla and marg at Cactus Cantina. Quintessential NCS. Pictured is the ladies with William, who drove me to most of my high school games, and who can still spout off stories about when we beat Potomac in the semi-finals of the ISL tournament.

Miles left: 9

350

This picture was technically taken after midnight, so I'm going to count it for Wednesday's pic. Aspen was great! I was sad to leave but am extremely excited to be heading home for Lessons and Carols and a ladies (+Matt) dinner at Cactus Cantina. DofC here I come!

Miles left: 13

349

For our last night in Aspen, we got a reservation for 25 at the Hickory House. It was Bucky's birthday, so we ordered a celebration cake, and we wanted to thank Gunther, so Nicole paid for our tatted townie waiter who dressed like Ali G (pictured above) to give him a lap dance while we blindfolded Gunny with her scarf. It was a mediocre lap dance (thank goodness). Needless to say, it was only slightly awkward when we saw him on the dance floor at Eric's. Travis put a candle on the ground and we all danced around it. Murray met a townie named Pablo who was dressed like a Spanish cowboy. All in all, pretty representative of the entire trip.

Miles left: 26

348

Day two of skiing at Aspen. We honestly could not have gotten better conditions. Skied the morning with Gunther and the lot, and frequently found myself stuck in deep powder, yelling "You don't have to wait for me!!" At least I didn't get stuck for 30 minutes like Travis. Afternoon was delightful - skied with Team Baker, who chose to take frequent rest stops and when estimating their remaining runs, usually said, oh I dunno, 3 or 2 more? Does it count for 3 if we go on 3 different trails in one run? My pace, for sure. I asked them if we could enter into a serious skiing relationship. I think they're considering it. Finished the night with an amazing dinner cooked by the Italians in the house and a viewing of Elf at #25. I have never felt more like a fatty than the moment I entered the lobby of our hotel carrying only a to-go tub of ranch dressing.

Kevin had a serious talk on the lift with me about my "disease": FOMO. Fear of missing out. I got it bad.

Miles left: 16

347

We skied for a full day and I'm now exhausted, sitting on my single bed, listening to Gunther or Macon clap profusely and in strange patterns for some football team. I think it's football. We had a massive white out on the mountain today, which meant for phenomenal powder that felt like powdered sugar and sounded like nothing. After a winter out of a cold city, I had forgotten what the sound of snow-inspired silence sounded like. I love it. It reminded me of afternoons when I would sit with my head out of my window in Leverett, listening to the sound of muffled nothing as the snow fell on the Charles river.

Now it's time for a big group dinner. Leave it to my cabin to offer to host all 35 ski trip attendants for a pot luck! No wonder I get along with these people.

Quote of the day: "Why can't I like this?" - my mom after receiving a picture in an email and wondering why it didn't have a "like this" link

Miles left: 13

346

Our first day in Aspen. We mostly napped and ate and watched other people be active. After a delicious pizza dinner, we hopped on the bus to see Robert Randolph. I was Suhey's beard, so to speak, to ward off annoying ladies who (quite obviously) thought he was the shiz. Sorry girls! Robert Randolph was the man. Anyone who wears a tie with a red sequined belt and plaid shorts is close to the top of my book. Afterwards, I was scolded for doing shuttle flips in the bus back to Aspen. I'm sorry, but I was feeling really college.

Miles left: 22

345

Fat Joe is all ready to go home for Christmas! I woke up early to finish two papers and an exam, and to pack up my life for the next month. I love school!

Miles left: 22

344

Bring out your Jersey Shore! Everyone was in full costume to celebrate day 3 of MTV's the Jersey Shore. We learned important lessons about how to get pink eye and how not to get punched in the face at bars. I sincerely felt that my life improved by the experience. I hope this Thursday night tradition continues into the foreseeable future.

Miles left: 22

343

The girls threw a little goodbye shindig for Woodson and Bucky. My tshirt said "Adios Bucky!" and Jesse thought it said "Aids, Bucky!" I stuck around a little longer then my roommates and at one point realized the party had digressed to me and 15 boys. Sproulie: 1, females worldwide: 0. Afterwards, we got sandwiches and I substituted bacon (amazing) for the cole slaw (disgusting). Brian decided the sandwich I got would now be his permanent sandwich choice at Little Johns, and thus "Sproulie-ing" a sandwich was born (substituting any ingredient for bacon. Let me tell you, it only makes the sandwich situation better, even if you're eating a PB&J).

Miles left: 25

342

A last day in Miami. Shed a tear. We spent the day lying in the sun and taking gymnastics photos on the beach. I'm going to miss the 80 degree weather. For our final dinner, we chose an authentic Cuban restaurant near North Beach. It was delicious! Fried plantains and shredded steak and black beans and malbec. There was a menora on the cash register which was amazing. It made Nicole feel at home. On the walk home, we got McDonalds ice cream and the dude behind the counter charged us $3 even (despite ice creams being $1.18 a piece) and then pocketed our money. Yay for Miami, the city of honesty and humility!

Miles left: 25

341

A full day of lounging and running. I ran 17 miles, all around South Beach. I was surprised by the contrast of the dilapidated side of South Beach with the blue pools and white umbrellas of the Eden Roc. What started off as a peaceful run along the boardwalk soon turned into a tour of abandoned buildings the color of strawberry sorbet, concrete sidewalks that looked like the bottom of a worn-out pool, and rock walls that had been sloppily covered in cement. It reminded me of Punta Santiago... the dusty paths, the restless yet idle people, and the sound of the bass beat of a song in the distance next to pristine tropical waters and spectacular scenery. There were orange cats all along the beach front, and they blended into the terra-cotta roofs as though they'd been there for as long as the buildings had. Meanwhile, I thought my run was an experience... But Nic and Meg beat me. On the way back from a walk into town, they saw a car catch on fire. I'm in a love-hate relationship with Miami - the vanity juxtaposed with such true and natural beauty can be overwhelming.

In other news, Nicole used conditioner as lotion today. "I am a ritard," she said when informed.

Miles left: 31

340

We sat by the pool and were accosted by iguanas. Above is Nicole with a huge one that walked out of a bush, looked at us from the corner of his eye, pooped, and peaced out. It was special. After a morning in the sun, we hightailed it out of the Ritz and headed to South Beach. It started to rain and Megan got depressed. I got a margarita and a quesadilla in protest. We eventually fell asleep in front of E! True Hollywood Story.

Miles left: 48

339

This day only partially existed. I got to the airport at 5am (after prom no less...) and was told I needed to check my bag at the gate. Dubiously, I left it with the stewardess. To no one's surprise, when I arrived in Atlanta, I was informed my bag had not made it on the plane. In a moment of weakness, I decided to get Popeye's to make myself feel better about the baggage situation. I got to the front of the line, ordered, and then realized my wallet was in the checked bag that was still in Charlottesville. They took back the biscuit and the show reached a new low. At least I ended up in Miami and was napping in the ocean air by 4pm... otherwise, homie would have been piiiiiiiiiiiiiissed!

Miles left: 56

338

Darden prom. I had a semi-date that I "won" based on my ability to write a decent cover letter. See below for the full communication.

From the Darden classifieds...

Wanted: Date for the Holiday Ball

I am currently seeking a date for the Holiday Ball - aka “Darden Prom.” I was never very good at these things in high school and I think it is because I had bad dates. They were really bad. To remedy this problem I have decided to run a selective process, all submissions in the form of cover letters due Thursday by 1:00PM.

Minimum requirements (in order of importance):

A pulse

Female

No H1N1

Qualities a strong candidate will possess:

Restraint – The ability to prevent me from going over budget during the auction

A car – My 1984 Reliant was not impressive in high school, I bet it’s less impressive now

No fear of a DUI – Somebody needs to drive your car home

Affinity for “Party in the USA” – One word: Miley

Good looks – My mom always hangs pictures from these things on the fridge, I need to impress her

In the unlikely event that more than one candidate applies I will select a winner based on times through an obstacle course in our backyard and the slower applicants can go with my roommates.

--------

And my response.

Mr. James Schafer:

I would like to express my interest in the position of Date of Mr. James Schafer at Winter Prom. When I met with your publicist at your briefing this fall, I was impressed with your commitment to humanitarianism and sustainability. I appreciate that your organization values such strengths as a pulse and a clear bill of health, and I find myself inexplicably drawn to the kind of organization that places a high priority on these ideals.

Before coming to Darden, I attended several proms, including one as a freshman, which was considered a rare accomplishment given my young age. I have had a car since the precocious age of 17 and have proven more than willing to allow strangers to drive it in order to allow me to hit up the sauce. I am fun but do not put out easily so I should be appropriate material for your mother’s fridge. I also have been told that I am relatively attractive and also incredibly modest. I purchase only the finest boutonnieres made from roses picked by Swiss yoddlers. I also was a Westinghouse sweepstakes winner, and I could therefore aid in replacing the upholstery in your antique car in return for the promise of a fine steak dinner at the best Outback Steakhouse in Albemarle County.

I look forward to your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Ms. Catherine Sproul

Class of ‘10

Miles left: 56

337

The entire day was spent making cookies. I wish I was lying, but I wouldn't be. At one point, I went to class, but that was short lived. Soon, I was mixing egg nog and laying out snackies and pre-heating pigs in a blanket. We girls came together to throw one hell of a party. The Hilltop boys brought Bop-It (amazing) - important to clarify that it was the version that required one to scream into the device. Jesse was particularly good at that. Night ended at Trinity, per usual. I love Christmas!

Miles left: 59

336

After the science fair in the foyer, I went to Harris Teeter and bought a ridiculous amount of baking goods. Nothing beats being in the kitchen baking until 1am. I've been on a sugar high ever since. Christmas, here I come!

Miles left: 59

335

You know it's bad when you go to school at 8am and don't leave til 7pm. And then keep working til 3am. Oye. At least I got a brief break to catch up with the Irish man!

Miles left: 65