Best of 2009

I started out to make a top ten list represented by photographs, but realized I had way more photos with good memories. So I decided to make a "Best of" list of things in no particular order.

BEST MUSEUM

In January D.D. and I visited The Getty Villa on a very rainy day. I remembered it having more paintings than sculpture---not the case. We even saw a bust that looked exactly like Liev Schrieber.

BEST BET

We used to bet each other $1 to do stupid things all the time. This bet turned out to be a little bit embarrassing.

I bet D.D. $1 to get up on this little stage and strike this pose from the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie. I didn't think she'd really do it in front of a room full of people. She did. And earned her dollar.

BEST REUNION

Reagan is the queen of $1 bets! It was great to see her last summer. She flew to LA for Michael Jackson's memorial---lucky girl! And she had enough time to have dinner with us. Just like old times.

BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Steele graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Social Science in May. We had a little party at Grandma Wilde's house where we debuted a montage of Steele's life set to music. It was quite the undertaking.

BEST PHOTO SHOOT

D.D. and I joined Steele on his "Tour of Jamul" ride. We were the team car. We covered a variety of terrain. Saw a few outfit changes. And overall, got some really great action shots of the pelaton.

BEST PHOTO

This photo is my crowning achievement. The time trial of The Tour of California in Solvang was crazy with people. We managed to get a great park, and an even better position at the finish line. If you know nothing about cycling, this is Lance Armstrong. Had we not been stuffing our faces with bagels earlier in the morning, I would have been able to take more pictures of Lance and probably talked to him too.

BEST PHOTO CONTINUED

The next day of The Tour of California saw the stage finish with 5 circuits around the Rose Bowl. Again we lucked out with parking and a great place to take pictures from. The Tour allowed us to see not only the return of Lance Armstrong, but also some of our very favorite cyclists in person: Thor Hushovd, Tom Boonen, Mark Cavendish, George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer.

BEST SUNSET

My favorite place in the whole wide world is La Jolla Cove. On a hot and humid night we tried to escape the heat by heading to the coast. No such luck. But I did capture this fantastic shot. The awkward wedding couple is not included.

BEST BASEBALL

The only baseball I witnessed this year was Dodger baseball. Sorry Padres. This was an insanely hot day, but the absolute best game of the season. Back to back home runs for Ethier and Loney. It was a slamfest.

BEST ROAD TRIP

Steele was kind enough to drive us to Salt Lake City in August. The car was stuffed to the gills! Over 80 handbags and his bicycle gear. We had a boutique and he had social appointments. He rode his bike around Utah Lake with childhood friend Austin Boaz. Ambitious. Then he spent time with cousin Broc, his wife Joanna, and children Brady and Brett.

BEST IMPROMPTU PERFORMANCE

The Moodys are always good for a laugh. Usually laughter that ends in tears. White sweat pants? Dean and his brother? The sisters entertained us with their old high school pep routine. You can't tell from this shot. Here they are trying to remember what comes next.

BEST COSTUME

Our family has a Halloween reputation to uphold. We didn't disappoint. Dad still has his viking look going strong. We're just glad the sharpie he used on his teeth wasn't permanent.

BEST CONCERT

October was concert season. First we saw Ben Gibbard and Jay Ferrar singing their new album One Fast Move or I'm Gone. Next we saw A Fine Frenzy. Both those concerts were at the El Rey. Both were amazing. Fantastic musicians. But the BEST CONCERT title goes to The Swell Season. It was at The Wiltern. Words can't describe. Probably the best concert I've ever been to (not that I have been to all that many).  Glen Hansard is a consummate performer and someone who clearly loves what he does. I admire all musicians and songwriters. Their talent blows me away. And this concert was so much fun. I think the encore was as long as the scripted show.  Thanks D.D. for taking me and keeping me cultured.

BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

Okay, this wasn't my gift, but Dad's. Anyone who has ever been to Grandma Wilde's house knows about her peanut jar. Everybody loves it, eats out of it and wants it. This year, Grandma went on a quest to find replica nut jars so each family could have one. She found similar jars and wrapped them up, including the original, mixed them up and passed them out to each of her kids. Dad was the lucky one. It was a tearful moment. After he took it home he felt a little guilty. So he took it back to Grandma's. It's there on loan for everyone to enjoy.

BEST CANDY MAKER

After attending a traveling chef homemaking meeting D.D. took up candy making. She bought a candy thermometer and she was off. First she made Almond Roca. DELICIOUS! Then she tried peanut brittle with chocolate. DELECTABLE! Matt was jealous.

A few more events sans photos that made 2009 memorable: eating at El Zarape, Dancing With the Stars,  reliving Mom's Mediterranean cruise, Monte Vista Football coaching stories, Name That Artist, Liverpool Rummy, Cilantro-Lime Pesto Sauce, driving Dylan, THE Candy Bar, It Might Get Loud, Puppet-Up.

I'm sure I've left out key moments and memories. Hopefully next year I will be a better documentarian.

Happy New Year! Have a wonderful 2010!