Merry Christmas 2008

"The "story" of my year certainly has a start and an end, but where I am now will surely be a lot different from where I will be a year from now. So in many ways, this story will have to be continued and concluded next year."

That was part of my post to you last year at Christmas and reading that today as I am putting together this year's holiday post, it continues to ring true if not more so. Although my current circumstance is a bit extreme, this year has been challenging for most of us as our world has changed as our economy has hit the reset button. As for me I am doing well despite the challenges before me and I am very much blessed. I am still living in Houston and enjoying the opportunity that the city provides. The midtown area of Houston has continued to grow so there is always a lot going on near my home. The bonus for me is that my street and neighborhood are very quiet and low key. Perfect for walking a dog but, well.....that just hasn't happened yet either. Still no dog.

Job search? Still ongoing. It's been a year now since I was laid off and this year has been hard fought looking for the next job. Fortunately I have had a couple of short consulting engagements during the year to keep me relevant in the market but the majority of the year has been spent looking for a full time role. Things are just that tough right now. The heartbreaking thing about it is that I have been very, very close a few times and even as I write this, the reality is that I could be one day away from getting "the phone call." Enough for now on that.

The year was also up and down with my family. Mom was diagnosed with cancer early this year which completely shocked us. Although mom is doing well now and the doctors are fully satisfied with the pathology of the tissue from her surgery, we continue to be heads up and monitor everything. You never know how much that can change your outlook on life until something like that happens. However, Mom is still Mom and her spirit remains very strong for her age. She is getting around just fine and is as stubborn as ever about her independence and making her own way which is all I could ever ask for.

Day to day life for me as a single guy in the Lone Star State is still pretty good and I stay fairly active. Unfortunately there were no trips this year due to the job uncertainty although I really wanted to make trips to Central Florida, Utah (Moab), and Central California (Lake Elsinore). All of those places will still be there when things settle out. I am still active with His Grace Foundation working with the kids at Texas Children's Hospital which is always uplifting for me. Otherwise I will also say that having more time on my hands has given me the opportunity to explore my interests int the kitchen and cooking. This year I have tried to stretch my experience level trying to become familiar with as many different ingredients as possible to do more with less. I actually looked into CIA at one point but I quickly realized that boat sailed long ago.



Skydiving is still a huge passion although I am currently taking time off until I get back on my feet a bit more. The first half of the year I was on an intermediate 4 way team and learned a lot about the sport and did a lot of jumps. I think my jump numbers currently sit at about 350 which is off from last year. I have figured out that my passion will most likely be teaching students and 4 way formation skydiving. The teaching portion will come with my D license and my AFF certification some time in the future.


One cool thing worth mentioning is that although I did not get a chance to jump a hot air balloon, I did get two opportunities to jump an R-44 helicopter with one of those opportunities being on the beach at Galveston. There is nothing like the feeling of cool dead air as you leave the strut - probably about as close to a BASE jump as you can get.

So that is about all I have for you this year. There is more that I would probably like to share about the job thing but I don't want to let that weigh things down too much but I will sign off with this. We only get one time around in this world and the only way that we make it through is together with the love of family and friends. Love those close to you in your life and love those that you don't know even more. Our world tells us that life is all about "me" and what "I" can have "right now" but the reality is that we are all one life event away from being the one in need. Have a great year and I wish nothing but the best for you and those close to you.


Moments from 2008

Tyler Says Let Go
What's For Dinner: Short Ribs
Stronger
Thirty Eight
He Said, She Said: You Gotta Pull The Cart
Still A Booster
Day In The Life