Looking Back, Looking Forward: 2010

Happy New Year everyone!

(Clint Howard, for no particular reason)

Ok, so I am a few days late. Nevertheless, every year I make it a point to reflect on the year and think about my hopes for the upcoming year. This past year was a rollercoaster and I cannot say I am sad to see it go. This year was a tough year for a lot of people, I think. There was a general feeling of unrest, of something not quite being right. The economy was in shambles, folks lost their jobs, and those with jobs, even crappy ones, were thankful to have a paycheck coming in. I think that a lot of people are glad that 2009 is history. I am sure everyone has their own take on 2009. Everyone reading this has their own highlight reel and their own hopes for 2010. Here are mine:

Highlights of 2009

· Though Trine and I were married in December 2008, 2009 was our first year of marriage. On August 1, 2009, our episode of Wedding Day aired and it was amazing to see the show for the first time and relive our wedding with all of our friends and family, including those who could not attend. (Pictured: Trine, guitar god Yngwie Malmsteen, myself).

· Trine was accepted in Florida International University’s inaugural class for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. I am so proud of her. Sorry for the cliché, but she is truly following her dream. Ever since we met in late 2006, Trine’s dream was to attend medical school and be an amazing doctor. She has already accomplished the first part, and I know she will fulfill the second. Her compassion and intelligence are two of her greatest assets. Plus, she will be making mad cash! Woohoo! Daddy wants a recording studio!

· In September, Trine and I bought a house. It took six long months, and two lost houses, but we finally landed a nice 3/2 in west Broward County. It was bank owned property, but was left in decent condition. We have updated the appliances, repainted the walls and put a lot of hard work (along with loads of help from my mother and Bill). Our next goal is to turn the mess of a backyard they left us with into our own little paradise. This time next year, we hope to have a new lawn, stripper pole, refurbished grill and some nice outside furniture. We’ll keep you posted on the backyard BBQ’s. And the stripper pole. Wait...Trine said no stripper pole.

· My health has been great this year. I had a brief, minor rejection episode in March 2009, but that is about it. I am proud to have realized my goal of getting back to the gym and regaining my pre transplant physique and strength. I have rediscovered the dedication and drive to be successful in the gym. I am so happy to be able to workout again.

Me lift weights. Me drink protein shakes. Me strong. You weak like little girl.

· Lastly, but certainly not least, Trine and I made two additions to our family of puggles. We picked up Isabel (Izzy) in March 2009. She is our only female dog, and is a total nutcase. She is also the sweetest little daddy’s girl. In November 2009, we adopted Pudge, a five year old puggle whose family abandoned him after being foreclosed on. Pudge has some food and toy protection issues, but he just wants to be loved. It’s been an adjustment period for the all the dogs, but with time I think they will all get along fine. And we're done with dogs. Seriously.

Looking Forward: 2010

I do not make resolutions. They come with a lot of pressure and leave little room for error, which is why they get broken so easily. Then people get discouraged or give up all together, and end up making the same resolutions the next year.

Instead, I make goals. My goals for 2010 include:

· Improving budgeting skills (lotto)
· Keep the house cleaner (french maid)
· Decrease anxiety/stress (drugs)
· Fix up the yard (arson)
· Beat Super Mario Bros. Wii (cheat)
· Continue writing music (boy band)

In February, as part of Wedding Day TV show, I will be on a 3 ½ day pass to Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Hollywood, CA where I will write, jam and perform with musicians and rock stars alike, such as Sammy Hagar, Kip Winger and Gary Hoey. I am hoping to meet Vince Neil of Motley Crue, too! My buddy Beau is gonna come along. When 2/3 of Radium Therapy get unleashed on Hollywood, craziness will ensue.

While, as I said, I do not make resolutions, I do view the New Year as a starting over period. I look forward to strengthening some of my weaknesses. Like many of you, I want to make 2010 a better year than 2009 was. Happy New Year everyone!