I figure it's about time for a 2005 retrospective. I'm looking forward to what 2006 will bring. There are still many things that are less-than-perfect in the world, but now we've got another year in which to strive to make them better.

I thought it would be neat to do something a little different this year and compile a list of "things I've learned in 2005." Bear with me, folks, because it's time for:

Bret's Big List Of Lessons Learned In 2005

1. D.C. Metro Area Geography. Learning how to get around in Northern Virginia and D.C. has been one of the most challenging-yet-gratifying tasks presented to me since I moved up here. It's been fun settling into a new area in this respect. It remains to be seen whether I'll be assimilated into the Northern Virginia drivers' club in 2006.

2. The Virginia/Maryland Divide. Why yes, there is some sort of rivalry between the states up here, as a few longtime residents have displayed to me several times. It's never more prominent, however, than when you're on the road. Look for a future entry - or an entire book - on the nuances of Virginia drivers vs. Maryland drivers. At least both sides can agree that D.C. drivers are terrible.

3. The Real World Zone. New job, new apartment, new car, new responsibilities, and a new source of income - huzzah! New bills, new financial management, and a sharp uptake in the cost of living - boo.

4. Traveling Is Fun Again. From New Orleans to Albuquerque, I visited more new places last year than I usually do. This included a detour to Detroit's airport on my way to Lancaster for a job interview. Next stop: the west coast, and then... the WORLD!

5. Hokie Pride. Over half a year since graduating, I still miss Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. But, I've been lucky to have met many alumni while I've been up here, and the consistent coolness of them all have proven to me time and again that we have among the best alumni out there. And naturally, all my Tech friends in the area have helped make me feel that much more welcome. Thanks, all ya'll.

6. Innertube Water Polo Is The Greatest Sport Ever. I played my senior year as a rookie, but I was still part of a championship team. It was my first intramural championship, and it helped Wesley get the Hokie Grail for 2004-2005! My only regret is that I didn't play the sport my first four years. Go Wesley!

7. I'll Miss Wesley. Though I thought I was probably crazy for accepting my second Wesley presidential term, I ended up having a lot of fun. Beyond the intramurals, I paticipated in my last Tour, helped make a final Tour CD and DVD combo, and helped design the shirts. I won't go so far as to say anything about a "legacy" (other than random props from the Bretcave that still haunt the Residents' rooms), but I know that I'll remember my four years in the basement fondly.

Well kids, I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

I am smart enough to realize that I am a very lucky guy, and 2005 was one of my best years all around, even though it brought so much change. I couldn't have made it through, of course, without all of you. And I mean you! And you, too. Don't ever change, I mean it.

I'll close with an idea from Gina. Her motto for this year is that 2006 will be "a year to be proud of." I like that motto. She's a smart woman (and yes, I'm lucky to have her, and she didn't pay me to say that!). I think we've all got our own reasons and ideas on how to make this a year to be proud of. Just remember, you don't have to do it alone!