2012 you stand out amongst yourself

I apparently have not blogged in a looooooong time so here goes a 2012 recap....







January:
It started with an engagement/party for two of my good friends who later got married in 2012 (see october)

February:
Celebrated the 30 years of marriage of the people who made me, and we had a great time eating Italian food and going bowling.
I saw American Idiot with Mandi.
Met (remet) the most amazing lady in the world at a mutual friend's birthday party at Fat Cats.  We talked about astrology, movies, and music and then parted ways for a little bit.
24th went out on our first date to the Art Institute, Argo Tea, and Flattop.

March:
Moved out of the batcave to my current apartment.
Celebrated my birthday by eating a rainbow cake made by my new lady.  I shared this cake with lots of folks too as it was too good not to share.
Designed promo posters for Proof Nightclub.
Had a fun St.Patrick's day with good friends and my new girlfriend.

April:
Ended contract at TravelClick
Did a lot of prep work for certain upcoming events...
C2E2!!!  Had a lot of fun meeting new people, seeing old friends, catching up with C3PO and seeing Maggie and Glenn from the Walking Dead.  I also got the idea to try to get into the artist alley for C2E2 from another friend.
ZOMBIE PUB CRAWL!!  My good friends, Katie, and I all got into our Batman themed costumes and zombie-ed ourselves up for another day of drinking mischief in Andersonville!!

May-June:
I continued work at the Exchange and Katie and I saw a lot of movies and went to lots of fun places like various cool shops and we did some exploring of Chicago as well.
Mandi and I also saw the Chili Peppers put on quite a show with their new guitarist.
I saved Hyrule again.

July:
On the fourth I met Katie's family and spent the day with them enjoying good food, good people, and good fireworks.
I made my "Batman Hat" out of some wires, lights, and a mask.
Katie had her gall bladder removed and I was there chilling with her family as we waited for her to be okay.
Mandi, Katie and I saw ALL THREE BATMAN FILMS IN IMAX IN A ROW
My family on my Dad's side had a family reunion which was good and a little strange.
I lassoed the moon.
I went up to the U.P. of Michigan to spend a few days with Katie and her family for her birthday.  I also created a piece of art for her and got it framed.  I got to see Lake Superior and some awesome places up in Michigan as well.  It was a great time!

August:
Brought about some great traditions.  Mandi went with Katie and I to the Ren. Faire where we had a pretty great time seeing all the dressed up folks enjoying good food, great shows, and neat crafts and weaponry.  Katie made her own costume which was gorgeous and I of course put on my Captains outfit.  We even met a dragon there.
Later that month we were walked into the Art Institute by friends who work there to see the exhibit of my favorite artist Roy Lichtenstein.  This exhibit was eye opening and amazing and it was exactly what I needed to help jump start my art.
We also got to see a wonderful animated film about zombies and that was ParaNorman!

September:
I dove headfirst into my artwork and finished a few pieces.
We celebrated my Mom and Dad's birthdays.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day happened.
I started prep for Halloween and all the weddings I was to go to over the next month.
I got strep throat :(
Katie and I went to my friends' wedding where they had an awesome reception that was an all around great party.  Congrats again Jen and Nick.

October:
I worked on more artwork towards the start of the month.
I participated as a Bridesman at my friends wedding.  Congrats again Mel and Ben!!
Katie took me as her date to her cousin Becky's wedding!  We went to 3 weddings within one month aaahhhh!!  Actually it was a lot of fun.
My Princess and I had a very special night at the Chicago Theater where we saw the 25th Anniversary Zelda Symphony of the Goddess.  It was an amazing event for me as a Zelda fan and Katie loved all of the music as well.
The very next night I hosted a Halloween party at my apartment where there were so many great guests of all my friends and I hooked up a pumpkin that spat out fog and there was a killer behind the shower curtain.  I went as Captain Kirk, Katie was a peacock and Mandi was Carmen San Diego.  It really was a great party and I had so much fun and felt very loved.
Halloween happened and we handed out candy to trick or treaters at Katie's house then we got Booritos at Chipotle and watched movies.

November:
Was an interesting month.  I worked my rear off on finishing my art and my website (please visit)
I worked over at the Belmont exchange for three weeks.
I helped reelect a president.
We saw Wreck-it Ralph which is totally now one of my favorites.
I saw RENT finally at Dominican U.
Thanksgiving came and went and was relatively painless but fun as usual.
Work ended at the exchange.
Mandi had her birthday and we celebrated at Flattop and L. Woods and all around the town.

December:
Katie and I went to a fun Chrismukkah party and ate some delicious treats.
I got my artwork printed and it is now up for sale at Etsy.com
I started work at Michaels
Hanukkah was eight nights.
I had a romantic Christmas night or two with my lovely girlfriend.
I watched more Xmas films than anyone else ever.
I saw the Hobbit with my Mom and my girlfriend and it was great!
I lived through the apocalypse.
I had the greatest Christmas ever as I learned a good lesson or two in it.
I found out how much love surrounds me on a regular basis and have been humbled by it.
I started more artwork for my upcoming installation in February.
I watched the Bears fail.
I wrote this blog...

Other things to happen throughout the year were...
I got baked goodies at least once a month from my lovely girlfriend.  Katie and I invented pizza cupcakes/muffins.  I learned to love and appreciate the people and things around me more.  I was dealt a few harsh blows and although I may have fallen off of the horse a couple times this year I have kept getting back on and riding off into that sunset.

Thank you all for such a great year.  I know 2013 will be great too.  I love you all and have a safe and happy new year!!