shaneneville.com

1. I’m going to be a dad.
Nothing changes your perspective on life like realizing that another living being is going to be relying completely on you for sustinence. And that you are essential in shaping that life. Scary and exciting at the same time.

The best part of the journey is going through it with my wife. When we met ten years ago, parenthood and marriage were the last things on our mind. Now, faced with the impending arrival of our spawn, we are both learning a lot about ourselves and each other as we come to grips with the monumental challenge before us.

2. Avatar: The Last Airbender
I found Avatar early in the year and it’s safe to say that no other work of entertainment has ever consumed me in the way Avatar has. The only thing I can possibly think to compare it to is how I felt about Star Wars when I was a kid. Yes, it’s that big.

It inspires me on a personal and professional level with the show itself and the creative vision of the team that makes the show. Episodes have driven me to tears, both tears of joys and tears of sorrow. I know a lot of people like this show, heck, a lot of people love this show. Even they wonder why I’m so passionate about the show. There’s something about the whole experience that makes Avatar very personal to me. It’s hard to explain, but it’s true.

3. Going to Tokyo
The single most exciting city I’ve ever been to. I was there for ten days and it felt like two. I have since decided that I need to make bi-annual prilgrimages to the land of the rising sun for inspiration, perspective and culture shock.

4. Comic-Con
As the crowds get bigger and the ailses get narrower, Comic-Con has become a bit of a chore. But the energy, inspiration and passion that surrounds this entire event more than makes up for the sweaty, stinky man-boys clawing through crowds and gawking at cosplay girls.

5. Getting TiVo
Tivo is not nearly as important as being a dad, or as inspiring as Avatar/Tokyo/Comic-Con, but it has effectively changed how we live our lives. No more crap shows, no more repeats, no more ‘be home by 9 to see the new episode of Heroes.’

Say what you will about television being an idiot box, the fact remains that there is a lot solid entertainment on TV these days. Now we get to watch it all, watch it when we want to and save it to watch it later. (Heroes and Avatar almost always warrant a second viewing).