2011 – A Year to Remember

Posted by admin on Dec 18, 2011 in Op/Ed | 0 comments

Another Year Over…A New One Just Begun [John Lennon]

It’s been a helluva year hasn’t it? From the crazy political climate to the high unemployment rate. The middle east conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, Israel, and on and on. The occupy movements sprouting up all over the world. CEOs taking an average wage increase of 35%. And, the killing and exploiting of peoples all over the world is still a way of life for many. It’s hard to find a positive note, except for those very cool flash mobs. But, I think I have.

As corny as it sounds, I think love is still the answer. It’s difficult to explain this thing called love. It’s something that is a win-win for everyone. When you give it, you get it back. When you do something out of love for another person, it’s amazing what can happen to the person. Even a small gesture can change a person’s life forever.

Yes, there is evil in the world and probably always will be. I don’t want to be accused of over simplifying things. But, if we could all view our world from a perspective of love rather than greed or power, we could really change the world. I’m remembering John Lennon’s song Imagine.

Speaking of love. This year, I moved in with my girlfriend and her two teenage daughters. This was a difficult decision as you can imagine. Volunteering to live with teenagers? Am I nuts? Maybe. But, I feel their mother is the most special woman in the world. I thought the love I felt for her would make it all worth it. I still feel the same.

I’m now a mentor, teacher, advisor, and friend to two teenage girls I now consider step-daughters. I find myself continually trying to make love the primary motivator whenever conflicts arise. Oh boy has that been difficult sometimes! But, it seems to be working. They have already enriched my life beyond words and may have taught me more than I’ve taught them.

In a selfish way, it’s so cool to see how I have affected their lives in a positive way. It makes me misty when I see or hear them doing or saying something that I have taught them. Especially if it’s something I didn’t intentionally foresee. They are both quickly becoming so smart and mature that it’s scary.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how important my woman has been throughout this entire process. Her intelligence, wisdom and groundedness (I made up that word) have really been my inspiration. When I think it’s all gonna fall apart, she will put things back into perspective for me and I fall even further in love with her.

Oh, about this past year. For me it’s been a roller coaster in both business and my personal life. I won’t go into any nasty details. Sorry, no dirty laundry here! Here is a list of some highlights of my 2011.

Finished recording my 1^st music CD, The Apple, with original songs. You can have a listen or buy it here: www.spidergroove.com.
Wrote a ton of new songs and recorded a few rough drafts.
Made some new friends. Made some new friends in business, too.
Gained a ton of knowledge in my career in design and programming.
Started a business with my girlfriend making fairy houses. She’s very talented and you can view and purchase her work here: www.ausrasfairyhouses.com
Joined and volunteer at the South Lake Art League.
Cooked some great meals and ate at some great restaurants.
Saw my niece turn her life around in a positive way.
Watched my nephew grow his own business into a successful company. www.jandjhardwood.com
Watched my girlfriend make huge strides in her career at Disney. Her self-confidence is at an all-time high and I’m loving every minute of it.
Spent a week with my mom which was great fun.
Spent a few days in St. Augustine with my new family and had a blast.
Went to a friend’s wedding in Miami which was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve been to.
Watched a friend race a real race car on a real race track.
Teaching my step-daughter how to drive.
Watching my other step-daughter perform in The Nutcracker.
Went to a few live musicals in Orlando.
Had my best friends stay with me for a few months and had so much fun.

Overall, I’ve had a wonderful year and given the circumstances around the world today, I can’t complain. I have the love of my family and that’s really all that matters in the end. I wish you all the very best in the upcoming year.

Tell me some of your highlights in the comments area below. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Holidays everyone and be safe.