As we say good bye to 2010 - December 30

I made myself a promise that I will leave all that 2010 brought with it behind me- both good and bad. It has been a challenging and rewarding year both professionally and personally. There were more challenges thrown at me this year that one could possibly even think of and with each challenge came new opportunities for which I am grateful.

I made myself a promise to look back at 2010, especially this week while I have been off from school, and come to the conclusion that I am truly blessed in all aspects of my life. I have two wonderful jobs, I work with wonderful students who excite me on a daily basis, I work for a company that is a constant source of joy and happiness, I advise a Class that have been my pride and joy for the past four years, I am healthy as is my family. What else could a guy ask for?

I made myself a promise to acknowledge all the joys this year, as well as some of the setbacks. Of course, and it is without saying, I lost my beloved Grandmother earlier this year and there is not a day that I do not think about her. I had been so used to calling her on my way home or just picking up the phone during an episode of "The Golden Girls" and laughing with her at Rose's translations of different St. Olaf jokes. This Christmas was particularly difficult since it was "the first" without her. Although I needed to remind myself that she was celebrating with "the reason for the season" this Christmas and what joy that should have been. I also have to keep in mind, that I was very fortunate to lose my last grandparent at the age of forty one - most people lose their grandparents while they are teenagers or in their twenties.

I made myself a promise that negative issues and negative people could not and would not affect me. I am keeping that promise to myself. I found when I was engrossed with the drama of other people, I became sluggish and consumed with issues that were beyond my control and quite frankly, none of my business. I found myself getting upset and aggravated and things that really had nothing to do with me. People would tell me things and I would listen patiently, provide insight if asked, and "be there" as a friend would be. In turn, it was me who constantly got the "short end of the stick" and become of the victim of "he said , she said." I made myself the promise.

I need to make myself a promise to leave 2010 behind me. I look forward with anticipation of the great things that are about to happen. I need to make a promise to myself that negativity will need to go elsewhere, and for me to live. The new challenges await and the new joys are abundant! Two thousand and ten has come to and end and two thousand eleven, with all of its promises, will be a slice of heaven.
Happy New Year.