The Next Steps by Ryan Luckie: 2013: A Year of Great Moments & Boring Months

Over the course of this last year I've often reflected that 2012 was the strangest year of my life. Time has had it's effect and dulled the strangeness but it remains a year of unpredictable moments. 2013 has proven to be quite the opposite.

Most people reading this blog know that about 45 minutes into 2013 I asked Amanda to marry me.

When that happened I knew I'd be heading to Saudi Arabia, so after the initial major life change things started to fold out quite predictably.

We decided on places we wanted to visit during R&Rs and have mostly stuck to the plan, seeing New York, London, Scotland, & Italy. We've yet to see Ireland, and we left off some key places in Italy in favor of having more time in the places we did stay. We definitely intend to go back and spend a few more weeks there... eh... we might spend a few months in Italy at one point.

Ireland got cut out of 'Ryan & Amanda's Crazy Celtic Adventure' because it was just getting too crazy. (I think the first draft of our itinerary had 38 hours driving plus 6 hours on a ferry.

Amanda and I started in a routine of 2 skype days a week, which quickly turned into 2 skype days and 2 scheduled phone calls a week, which has now turned into 2 skype days, minimum 3 phone calls a week.

Life here is very predictable. I work about 80 hours a week and the rest is filled up with Amanda, working out, eating, & sleeping. Maybe some reading or video games here and there. It's not fun and the project can be frustrating but it is getting Amanda and I off to a great start in our marital finances.

So, with the year now behind us I'll offer:

My top 10 moments of 2013...

10. Drew & Nick giggling like girls when Amanda and I walked up to them in New York. They were just so happy for me.

9. Beautiful Scotland