2012 Came in with a Blast

I may be a few days late with this, but better late than never. And after almost a full year without posting here I, again, thought this would be a good place to put down my year's end thoughts.

My goals were simple and attainable last year:

1. Stay alive. A staple first in all of my goals. At this point it should be understood, but I may be a little superstitious about keeping it here. I don't want to leave it off and that year be THE year.

As you might imagine I completed this one. Couple of close calls throughout the year, but I finished in one piece and better than before.

2. Make it through broadcasting school. I will not fail.

I did it! I didn't get any sort of high honors, but I did graduate. It was an amazing experience, and one that will have a sister this year. In May I head back for an advanced course. It should push me into becoming a much better broadcaster.

3. Get married to The One. We have a beautiful wedding planned.

We had a beautiful ceremony. We are thankful for all those that attended from far and wide. And most importantly we are still together and happily married.

4. Make the most of our time in Germany. There is plenty to do, and I do not want to miss out.

This is more a long term goal as we still have two and a half years here at least. We are off to a reasonable start and will be looking to explore even more this year.

5. Make it back for my sister's wedding. I am going to do everything in my power to make it back.

I am incredibly happy to say that I did make it back for her wedding. She looked absolutely beautiful, the ceremony was perfect, and the reception was rocking. I wish the two of them a blessed marriage and I hope in fifty years the two of us will celebrate our anniversaries in style.

Over the last year and a half, most everything seemed to break my way. Other than a few things I really haven't had to deal with adversity. While I don't plan on seeking trouble out, what I do plan is to actively pursue improvement and not just hope my luck continues.

My goals for the year 2012:

1. Stay alive.

I might need to reduce my speed on the Autobahn, but if I get out of 2012 alive it will be worth it.

2. Travel.

The One and I were talking this morning about going to someplace new at least once a month. I think that is a perfectly reasonable goal. There isn't anything saying we can't travel more than that, what it allows is for us to have some flexibility with our other goals.

3. Bike 1000 kilometers.

I want to ride my bicycle. With a busy schedule, weather related problems, and down right laziness I don't want to put the goal any higher than that. Though, I can see myself pushing well past this goal if I start biking to work on the days we have good weather. It's roughly 30 km round trip; one month of biking to work nearly puts me at my goal.

4. Make a good size dent in our debt.

The One and I have a plan in place to end our debt and put us in the green permanently. We both have to make a few sacrifices, but in the end we both know it will be worth it. We both know that eating our own lunches instead of eating out will be well worth it as it allows us to travel more and more.

5. Get the Promotion I've Wanted

Third times the charm.

I hope this time next year I'll be looking at another completed list.

Happy New Year,

Skate

Winter Weather and the Driving Experience

As you may or may not have read from Blu, it's snowing. It snowed just enough last night to cover the roads, but not enough that schools and other places would shut down. I took this week off from work, but still woke up early to take The One in to work for her. That started my thinking on the two types of drivers there are in winter weather. People of two varying thoughts and styles, but of the same coin. People who will swear up and down that it is the other that does not know how to drive in these conditions.

The first side is that of caution. The drivers that go just fast enough to keep the car moving. sometimes cutting speed limits in half. The ones that start slowing for their turn at least a quarter mile out. And when they get to the turn they treat it as if they are trying to park the USS Enterprise in a compact car parking spot. They start stopping well before a light turns from green, just in case. Their blinkers that they might not otherwise ever use become their best friend. Turning their blinkers on a full ten seconds before merging into another lane. When driving behind some one there will be enough space and reaction time between them to watch the entirety of Avatar.

The other side is that of apathy or wanton abandon. Speed limits were posted for a reason, and they will continue to follow them or break them as they normally would on clear days. They will weave in and out of lanes to avoid the now suddenly scared drivers that mimic old ladies in their Buicks. They speed through intersections just before red lights appear. They refuse to stop any sooner than right before they need to stop. Drifting becomes an appropriate way to make a turn, never mind the fishtailing that occurs on the back end. When driving behind someone, it is best to be near their bumper in case they need a push.

It may surprise some, including Mother, that I lean more towards the first group than the second. I drive defensively. I slow my pace, leaving earlier than I normally would to ensure that I will make it there in time. My car is clear of snow and ice. I slow well before the point in which I wish to stop or turn. I change how I take turns; no longer do I continue through the turn at the same speed in which I entered, rather I slow down for a complete controlled turn. I make the adjustments that are needed to ensure that my car is not the one in the ditch at the side of the road.

Now the question is, which side of the coin are you?

Skate

A Year of Yes and No

Oh my, what a year. It has been customary for me to have a year's end write-up for some time. And even though I haven't written anything here since July, I figured this would be a great place for new beginnings.

2010 was marked by yes and no. There were no gray areas or questions that were left unanswered. The first and most important yes or no I received was a yes from The One. I didfulfill my resolution to propose to her, and I didn't even drag it out for as long as she feared. We have been planning her illustrious dream wedding ever since. After that I was stricken with a couple of nos. I did not make the Tour I was pining for. Nor did I make the promotion that I worked for. Disappointing for sure, but I decided that both dreams will just have to wait until I can try again.

In August a beautiful thing happened; I was given my final yes or no of the year and it was a resounding yes. I was given the opportunity to change career paths and boy oh boy did I jump at that. Not because I dislike my current job or career, because I have always wanted this type of career. I will be leaving for school in January to become a TV and Radio Broadcaster! Just recently some of our questions were answered when we were told where and when we will be going after my school. My first job as a broadcaster will be in Germany! A dream location for both The One and I. And an excellent honeymoon area as we will be leaving shortly after getting married.

Yes, 2010 was a good year. And the future will only get better tomorrow.

Last year I set some modest goals.

My goals for 2010:

1. Stay alive. It might seem like a silly goal to have, until you are dead and then you should have thought of it. I will tie-in the live well goal for this one as well. I intend on doing both.

You will be surprised to hear that I did in fact make it here alive. I didn't go unscathed unfortunately, as I did break the first bone ever in my body: the last knuckle in my pinky finger.

2. No matter what happens regarding the tour, keep moving forward. There are a lot of opportunities out there for me and still have a lot to offer. It is time I stop wavering and just start walking.

As I have detailed before, I did not make The Tour. I did receive feedback and I will continue working myself to be better prepared for the next time I audition. With the wedding and new career I did not try again this year and next year is looking iffy. I will again, in time, try again. I certainly did not waver when it came to changing career. From the moment the opportunity presented itself I jumped in with both feet.

3. Smile through everything. There is no telling what will happen with anything this year, regardless of what it brings I will chose to be happy.

I certainly do not have to work so hard to smile. Life is good.

4. Work on myself personally. While I like to joke that I am perfect, I still hold some (very few) character flaws. I need to work on those.

No major overhaul personally. Thankfully I learned from the mistakes I made this year.

5. Propose to The One. I know, you know, she knows I love her. It will happen in 2010.

I did in only a way that I could.

My goals for 2011:

1. Stay alive. A staple first in all of my goals. At this point it should be understood, but I may be a little superstitious about keeping it here. I don't want to leave it off and that year be THE year.

2. Make it through broadcasting school. I will not fail.

3. Get married to The One. We have a beautiful wedding planned.

4. Make the most of our time in Germany. There is plenty to do, and I do not want to miss out.

5. Make it back for my sister's wedding. I am going to do everything in my power to make it back.

My life continues to look up and I am thankful for that!

May your new year be your best yet,

Skate

This Day Next Year

On October 10th, 2008, I took a beautiful young woman that I barely knew to a Michael Buble concert two hours away. I felt time pressed and did not go to the door to meet her, instead I sent a text. To be fair I did tell her that we needed to get moving as soon as possible and to be outside waiting for me. During the drive up, we refused to let there be an awkward moment of silence by nervously talking and asking questions. In that two hour span we went from hardly knowing each other to having a good idea of who we were spending time with.

We arrived to the concert with a moment or two to spare. We take our seats and courteously try not to invade each others space. As the pre-show comedian tried to warm us up we gave out half laughs and avoided guffawing in front of each other. This cutesy nervousness continued when Mr. Buble hit the stage. We would stand, and clap, sometimes let out a cheer. Mostly we would watch what the other one did so we would not embarrass ourselves. As the crowd danced around us, we might have swayed our hips. As couples held each other during love songs, we excused ourselves when we accidentally bumped our hands, shoulders or feet. At the end of an amazing show, we were both pleased. On the way back to the car the October cold breeze chilled her. I was without a jacket, because I thought it was warm enough, so I extended my arm across her shoulders to keep her warm.

We were in such a rush to get to the concert we did not eat. At eleven at night our choices were limited and could only manage a Chili's. We continued to get to know each other while we barely touched our food. Our nerves were getting the better of us and showed as we continued chattering. Our nerves were focused on the next part of the night: the overnight stay in a single bed hotel room.

In my hurry to pick her up I did not think to pack sleepwear. I asked her if that would be a problem if I were just in my boxers and shirt. Thankfully it was not. When we slid under the covers we placed a throw pillow in between us to make sure the boundaries were known. By the morning the pillow was gone. That night we did nothing more than talk and sleep. In the morning, it was talking and holding one another.

The drive back was only slightly quieter than the rest of trip. I think we were beginning to feel comfortable. I dropped her off; this time getting out of the car. As we said our goodbyes, I leaned in for a kiss but masked it with a hug for safety. She immediately went for the hug and did not even offer a cheek for the kiss. This would be something we would laugh about over and over again.

On June 22nd, 2010, I took the same woman to another Buble concert. This time as my fiancee. This time without the cutesy nervousness. A planned mini-vacation. We took two days off. Drove out to where the concert was being held and traveled the town. Checked into the single bed hotel, this time without need for throw pillows. We ate dinner beforehand; we chose a Japanese grill as part of a tradition we started on our first year anniversary. We went to another amazing concert by Buble. We even found the song we want to have our first dance to. It was warm out this time, so I settled for holding her hand as we walked to and from the car. It was a wonderful night.

It is amazing to think that this very day next year, July 9th, 2011, we will be getting married. In fact, as I am writing this, this very moment next year I will be standing next to her in front of everyone we know. I will be in my tux; she in her wedding dress. Both prepared to further promise ourselves to each other and reassure each other of our love. This moment next year I will be looking at my bride in all her beauty and thinking of all the adventures in front of us.

31,536,000 seconds until we are cutesy nervous about saying "I do." 525,600 minutes until we are to be joined in marriage. 8,760 hours until we make our lives one. 365 days before we say "I do." 1 year before we begin the rest of our lives together.

The day next year might seem a distance away, but I can already tell it is going to be the best day of my life.

Until next time, may you find happiness in another person's arms.

Skate

Restless

Calm, collected

I slide into bed.

Eager for the morrow,

Wanting, waiting

for the day to begin.

Right side, left side,

back, stomach.

Sleep eludes me.

Toss, turn, flop.

A stubborn mule,

rest relentlessly refuses

to come to me.

12, staring out into the darkness,

the day begins shape in my mind,

1, eyelids are heavy,

but pinned upright,

2, eyes are bloodshot,

mind is racing.

3, deep breaths and

counting sheep are failing.

4, bargaining with God,

just one hour of rest.

5, accepting the day,

it will begin.

6, sleep.

My eyes rest, heart slows,

my body slumbers

as easy as it can.

7, the morning comes.

Once eager, now I pause.

Snooze, just ten more minutes.

The day can wait.

Snooze, just ten more minutes.

I can wait.

8, I should have been awake an hour ago.

The day begins,

I am ready, not rested.

Whatever it holds,

I am prepared.

Until next time, may you sleep well.

Skate

Yolanda

I want to introduce someone who has a recurring role in these writings but never gets mentioned out right. She plays a vital role in my life; often carrying me from moment to moment. When she breaks down, I make sure she gets back to her usual self. She can be a bit stubborn at times, often forcing me to put my foot down. She can be very responsive, though she is either hot or cold. She has kept me on the road to success and has taken me down some questionable paths. She moves when I move, you can say we are attached at the hip. She lights up my world when it is dark outside and serenades me whenever I ask. She is not jealous of The One; they share a mutual bond by taking care of each other. Having her around reminds me that I have places to go; she is quick to remind me how far I have come. She lets me know if I am going too fast, though more often that I am going too slow. She has endured my abuse for far too long and deserves better.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Yolanda the Honda. My trusted companion on the road. Far more important than just a car.

Until next time, may you take care of those that take care of you.

Skate

Productive Saturday

Thanks to TOM and TOD who came out with a trailer and chainsaw. We were able to take out a couple of trees and a lot of mess. It was quite the busy morning hauling back in forth. The One and TOD tore down the trees; TOM and I took the loads off to the dump. Our teamwork allowed us to be finished with the trees in the afternoon. The One and I bed farewell to them after all that and then we continued to work. I cannot wait for the grass to grow in the back yard.

As we were finishing up around five, not surprisingly, our neighbor popped out with a chainsaw to trim his bushes and then mowed his lawn. An all to funny experience we get to enjoy every time we do yard work.

Until next time, take a break.

Skate