The Good

Fatherhood. Without a doubt, nothing can top the joy of seeing my daughter born, and holding her for the first time. Fatherhood is amazing, and truly life-changing. You forget to eat dinner. A full night's sleep becomes a fond memory and a dream for the future. You see, smell, and touch a lot of poo. It breaks your heart when you can't comfort the fervent cries of your own flesh and blood. You can't wait to see her crawling, walking, and talking, but you know you'll miss having such a tiny creature to hold in your arms or sleep on your chest.

Rock Creek Fellowship. Have you ever heard the phrase "church family?" It started to really mean something to us this year, at this church. Our pastor is a great man with a caring heart for the people of his church, and our small group has been such a blessing. We love fellowshipping and learning with them each week.

The U2 Pilgrimage. In October, my brother Joel and I made the trek to Cleveland, Ohio, to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have a three floor exhibit of U2, and it was amazing. For a couple of huge U2 fanatics like us, it was well worth the drive. On the way back, we got to see my high school friend Raman in Cincy, which was cool. It was also neat because Joel and I hadn't really done anything like that together before. Thumbs up for brotherly bonding and all that jazz.

The Bad

Jobs and Money. 2003 was pretty rough in these departments. When we moved to Chattanooga in February, it took Genia almost two full months to find a job. And when she did, it paid only 2/3 of what she was making in Atlanta. Like all good American 20somethings, we have car payments, student loans, and credit cards, so that was pretty hard on the old budget. Then in October, I was laid off from my job when my department was shut down. Another big hit to the wallet.

A Little of Both

College Plans. We moved to Chattanooga so that I could go back to college at Covenant. Given my less than stellar GPA from my previous college credits, I was excited and proud when I was admitted to Covenant. It became bittersweet when I declined to enroll because I realized I couldn't start school and have a baby in the middle of the semester. Now, I feel like I'm just floating along again. I keep saying I might start back in Fall 2004, but I just don't know if our finances or our schedules will really permit that. I feel like I'm gonna be 40 by the time I finish college and seminary.

Esplodere Web Design. I officially launched this business in March with my partner and good friend Andy Coleman. It was a really exciting day when I got our first paying client. The truth is, though, that I'm no salesman or marketer and our success hasn't been nearly what we hoped -- or expected -- it would be.

The Favorites

Film. My favorite film of 2003 is Return of the King by a good margin. Some other favorites included Mystic River, Pirates of the Caribbean, and X-Men 2. It may have been released in 2002, but I rented Adaptation and thought it was really good as well.

Music. Some of my favorite songs from 2003 include "The Man Comes Around" and "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, "Open Apology" by Far Star, "Abilene" by Damien Jurado, "We're All in Love" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and "There Goes the Fear" by Doves. I didn't buy too many albums that I can recall, but I love Ohio by Over the Rhine. I picked up two great music DVDs -- Coldplay Live 2003 and U2 Go Home (Live from Slane Castle).

Books. I bought fewer books than albums, it seems. I read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis for the first time, and loved it. I also read his novel The Magician's Nephew to Bailey -- what a great story. I also started (and am still working on) Rumors of Another World by Philip Yancey and Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. 2004's book list better be longer than this!