2011 Year in Tweets

In 2011 I tweeted 1279 times. I looked through all those tweet and determined the 100 that best represent my year. They are either thoughts, experiences or acknowledgement of events that most shaped the year for me. I learned 3 things from this review: I dream a lot, regret even more and I don't spell very well when I tweet.

Without delay, here is the list in chronological order:

1 . 1/1 - RT @timchaddick @JohnPiper God promises new troubles (Mat. 6:34), new mercies (Lam 3:23), and new hope (2 Cor 4:16) for every day this year
   
2 . 1/1 - The real testament of Christian athletes aren't if they praise God when they win. But if they praise God when they lose. @JoyGenLicon
   
3 . 1/5 - With rushmore, tron and sideshow discussing autism, vaccinations and life (@ Juns Sushi) http://4sq.com/h3QVM7
   
4 . 1/7 - @Sarah_Kelley please don't do anything that will mess up those beautiful eyes of yours.
   
5 . 1/8 - Prayers to Rep. Gifford, her family and Staff.
   
6 . 1/11 - Accidentally drilled a hole into my thumb
   
7 . 1/15 - My (very liberal) roommate and I can't stop saying "Reince Priebus"
   
8 . 1/16 - The memory of trying feels much better than the regret of not trying
   
9 . 1/20 - Its done wonders to my self esteem to know that she didn't get my text messages. I just thought she was ignoring me.
   
10 . 1/22 - After a failed week; beach, ocean and a cigar really rejuvenates
   
11 . 1/25 - I own up to a lot of things but when I'm accused of something I didn't do it pisses me of to no measure. Going to break things now.
   
12 . 1/30 - The thing about going to @realityla is that parking really teaches u about patience God's grace (@ Reality LA) http://4sq.com/eNr2Cu
   
13 . 2/7 - Best First Date. Ever
   
14 . 2/22 - Call of Duty zombie ascension level 54. Enough said
   
15 . 2/26 - Had to leave because we didn't bring the proper paperwork (@ Yard House w/ 3 others) http://4sq.com/dKPxnl
   
16 . 3/6 - If Michael Ewert had a facebook account, I would unfriend him right now
   
17 . 3/7 - Writing letters and blog posts while listening to Taylor Swift. Bad combination.
   
18 . 3/10 - I've always been a "Belieber"
   
19 . 3/12 - Francisco Liriano for $16. Somoene in Minnesota is sad right now
   
20 . 3/20 - Did Tom Del Beccaro just advocate to "expand the universe". I think so!
   
21 . 3/26 - RIP Geraldine Ferraro.
   
22 . 3/27 - Crazy dream. They should make it into a movie. All I have to say is #zombiesontheplane
   
23 . 4/4 - Mars showed all earthlings we can all be one family
   
24 . 4/6 - Blame me RT @smithlorenzo: Rumors revealed on Sunday: 1) The teaching pastor @realityla cusses from the pulpit 2) We are Calvinist
   
25 . 4/8 - 18.5 hours until the federal government shuts down. Party anyone?
   
26 . 4/9 - He threw away our cows -Ross
   
27 . 4/10 - Meeting new friend & Hanging out with a special friend (@ Daily Grill) http://4sq.com/geUO28
   
28 . 4/11 - Had a scary dream about anger. I thank God it was only just a dream. #praying that such sin isn't a part of my life right now
   
29 . 4/12 - Just built an electric fence to protect us from a zombie invasion.
   
30 . 4/13 - When has the phrase 'end of discussion' ever ended a discussion?
   
31 . 4/19 - People need to learn to keep their damn mouth shut
   
32 . 4/22 - w/ @mlukemartz & super late @ccushmanbryan (@ Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. w/ 2 others) http://4sq.com/gVG52t
   
33 . 4/24 - I'm going to get baptized @realityla on Easter Sunday http://bit.ly/eJqVL5
   
34 . 4/25 - Beamer! (@ Newman Recital Hall (AHF)) http://4sq.com/hCw2uV
   
35 . 4/29 - I didn't think you could offend all Christians and all alcoholics at the same time. Well some moron found a way.
   
36 . 4/30 - You're welcome RT @LangleyJonathan: Kind of love getting girl advice. :) Thx @rushmore08 @ohkate89 @StaberzZ and Amy.
   
37 . 5/1 - Sorry if this is too much information. I am literally crying at the moment. #America #Winning
   
38 . 5/4 - With the 'general' and the 'owner' (@ MIX Downtown Rooftop Lounge w/ 2 others) http://4sq.com/juqy1V
   
39 . 5/6 - Just bought shorts, sandals, and an ipod. Ready for summer.
   
40 . 5/16 - I rescued a baby bird. Now it is dead. Story of my life
   
41 . 5/19 - It was under glass so I wanted it (@ Crate & Barrel w/ 3 others) http://4sq.com/lkWV2d
   
42 . 5/22 - Who ever said its easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar has never tried to catch flies before.
   
43 . 5/23 - Better name for Ross Wyngaarden: Gary W. O'Dressan, Darren Swagsony, Randy Awengross
   
44 . 5/26 - Drove 4 hours to watch the hangover 2 (@ United artists) http://4sq.com/k5p974
   
45 . 5/29 - @realityla hey, I just became 4-square mayor of reality la. Don't I get a parking space or something now. LOL
   
46 . 6/18 - If you were to make a fake facebook account, I doubt that you would make the last name 'Hacker'
   
47 . 6/22 - There was this pollen in the air today that smelled like kissing
   
48 . 6/25 - Help us hit our goal RT @MLukeMartz: Good news! @StaberzZ and I have #SupporttheBryanUnion yard signs! Make sure you pick one up!
   
49 . 6/26 - Tip of the day: People like @millanpatterson who have 'reliable' sources know everything. EVERYTHING #KeepYourEarCloseToTheRail
   
50 . 6/27 - I have 2 types of friends. People who lie for a living and people who work in politics.
   
51 . 7/5 - I didn't follow most of the Casey Anthony trial but watched the closing arguments. I was not convinced and not surprised by verdict
   
52 . 7/8 - RIP Betty Ford. A God send to alcoholics and addicts.
   
53 . 7/9 - I think the guys from American Pickers should visit some of the people from the show Hoarders
   
54 . 7/15 - #carmaggedon is keeping me away from Los Angeles. Harry Potter is keeping me off my computer.
   
55 . 7/22 - The war on terror contines. Pray for Norway. http://bit.ly/pYRblz
   
56 . 7/23 - Either that was an earthquake or the result of my heart dropping because @ByAnyName is leaving :(
   
57 . 7/25 - Watching President Obama speech while eating captain crunch. Not sure which will cut my mouth more
   
58 . 7/27 - In celebration I just bought a new chef's jacket
   
59 . 7/31 - its official. Ross Wyngaarden is the most symmetrical person I know #1:1.618
   
60 . 8/11 - Yesterday was Denny's, the Beach, Yard House for @GuiRGs97. Too tired to get out for @imJEZkidding. Getting new brakes for the car today
   
61 . 8/15 - Volleyball, buffalo and a smoke. What a day
   
62 . 8/15 - No tweeting at El Cholo (@ El Cholo Restaurant) http://4sq.com/oSEYF1
   
63 . 8/19 - I refuse to go where I'm not wanted.
   
64 . 8/20 - For leslie's b-day (@ Verdugo Bar w/ 3 others) http://4sq.com/pE9yMb
   
65 . 8/21 - So I've narrowed it down to a high ankle sprain, shin splints or a torn muscle..
   
66 . 8/24 - I've been smoking 30 lbs of pork for 9 hours. 3 hours to go
   
67 . 8/26 - Okay, so I realized I haven't made any type of social media announcement yet so here it is. GOT A NEW JOB. I'M MOVING TO VIRGINIA TOMORROW.
   
68 . 9/3 - I realize most people won't get this but I like Coach Lane Kiffin #USC
   
69 . 9/6 - First day of work (@ Targeted Victory) http://4sq.com/o8J3S2
   
70 . 9/13 - If you feel your faith is weak, stop doubting your faith and start doubting your feelings
   
71 . 9/17 - I am about to totally go Todd Cranney on this printer.
   
72 . 9/18 - Dear @MattShupePR I hope you don't plan on working in politics because you just screwed yourself. #dontpissoffthegeneral
   
73 . 9/20 - Everytime I get a first paycheck I realize why I'm a Republican again #TaxesAreTooHigh
   
74 . 9/23 - I really like cucumbers and it saddens me when they become pickles. But occassionally I like a good pickle. Most pickles aren't good pickles
   
75 . 9/27 - @KaelaMari btw, love the profile pic. She is incredibley gorgeous. oh, and LC is pretty cute too :)
   
76 . 9/30 - I wish I were on a train right now
   
77 . 10/4 - Watching marriage proposal videos on youtube all night gives a guy ideas. http://youtu.be/Su1YLAjty-U
   
78 . 10/5 - I think the fact that I've never owened an iphone or mac (bought ipods in my life) really lessens the affect of steve jobs' death
   
79 . 10/18 - Just had a dream about an amazing date. Alarm went off, I hit snooze, went back to sleep and she broke up with me :( #quitwhilwyoureahead
   
80 . 10/20 - I'm 1 for 2 for the day. Batting .500 aint bad but from a moneyball perspective, not good.
   
81 . 10/22 - nv official makes itself irrelevant MT @politico: NV GOP Central Committee moves the date of caucuses from Jan 14 back to Feb 4
   
82 . 10/23 - I think the tebow era has begun
   
83 . 10/30 - #trojanfanspeakstoosoon
   
84 . 10/31 - I'm the only one who dressed up for halloween at the office
   
85 . 11/2 - I'm no lawyer but if a she accuses @justinbieber of being her baby daddy isn't she also admitting she raped a 16yr-old? http://bit.ly/sWGrgp
   
86 . 11/8 - MW3 (@ Best Buy) http://4sq.com/rGpB3E
   
87 . 11/10 - Conflicted over the Joe Pa firing. I know it had to be done but i really believe he did everything asked of him.
   
88 . 11/13 - It is a great night of country music on the radio. Maybe I just don't spend enough time in the car #wishmycommutewaslonger
   
89 . 11/14 - Drop something on ur foot? RT @MLukeMartz: Ouch RT @StaberzZ: My phone rang, I was happy for a second. Then I realize its just @mlukemartz
   
90 . 11/17 - Is it me or is #occupyWallStreet a modern version of Lord of the Flies meets Animal Farm?
   
91 . 11/22 - Don't let forgiveness get in the way of Grace -me
   
92 . 11/22 - With David Alley, Nick Wilson and 3 smokin' hot heaters (@ Bonaventure Brewing Co) http://4sq.com/t3Lbrm
   
93 . 12/1 - Disappointed in Christians who doubt others' walk because you don't buy into their mission. #ThankGodForUnansweredPrayers
   
94 . 12/4 - “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” -Saint Francis of Assisi. http://bit.ly/taGXoX
   
95 . 12/5 - I went 29 and 3 playing MW3 with my new gunnar optiks glasses. #believer.
   
96 . 12/10 - Very amused when people ask me if I don't drink because of religion. #FreedomInChrist
   
97 . 12/12 - 8 years http://bit.ly/tcAdSH
   
98 . 12/19 - I think God didn't help Tim Tebow beat the Patriots today so He made up for it by making sure Kim Jong Il died
   
99 . 12/22 - Its official @mattbarkley statys a trojan.
   
100 . 12/25 - Christmas is about Jesus, not religion.

8 years

There are 2 really important days in my life.

The first is the day I became a Christian - April 6, 2000.

The second is the day I stopped drinking.

For years I've fielded questions regarding why I don't drink. I'm amused when people ask me if its because religion which I generally answer "No, there's great freedom in Christ." Sometimes I'm asked if its because I hate alcohol. I usually confuse them when I say "Its because I love drinking alcohol."

I don't drink because I'm a recovering alcoholic. I have been sober for 8 years today.

It hasn't been easy but I've had some great people around me and an organization in AA which has helped me sustain my sobriety for years. I've got a great sponsor for years who I go to with my struggles. And it has been my privileged to help other people with the same affliction.

Someone recently challenged me as to what was my mission field. And for obvious reasons (the nature of the organization is anonymity) I never openly discuss it unless directly asked. But helping other alcoholics realize that there is grace and forgiveness in Jesus has been my mission field. And that mission is furthered by the fact that I move from city to city because of the nature of my professional industry. Its been a crazy ride and I never thought I would get here, but I am.

8 years.

If there is anyone to thank it has been the men of AGO who's compassion and understanding has helped me with my struggles and my AA sponsor who has been with me from the beginning (and will obviously remain nameless) and got me an awesome new chip.

For 8 years I "take it one day at a time" and remember to "keep coming back." And with the support and prayers of friends around me I hope to stay sober and continue spread the message of hope in Jesus to a community that desperately needs it, because as a member of that community I've desperately needed it.