Happy New Year!!!

To All:

Can one truly be inspired by a single kind word or thoughtful gesture? You bet your bottom dollar they can! I say thank you to so many! To Peter B: you have taught me so much and been such a wonderful friend, boss man, and teacher. I thank you for allowing me to meet your beautiful wife and family. You are such a fantastic and exceptional person. I can honestly say you remind me of no one for you are that unique! Pete: I took up golf and am getting rather good (I have a personal coach). Be prepared if we meet in good weather for I am bringing my clubs.

Reaching back into the memory bag, Vinny was a later addition to my adventure. I am so excited to have such awesomeness. And of course, Vinny, you never cease to amaze me! I will be visiting my sister up in Bainbridge Island sometime in the early summer so keep your calendar open. Let it be known that I am inviting myself to meet your family – to include your little Chihuahua. 

Any way you slice it, knowing the adventurous Steve-O has been anything but ordinary. The laughter that always follows a conversation with you, Steve is something I miss. You are definitely one person that never fails to enjoy every minute of every day! I saw the pictures from Thanksgiving and WOW…I can only imagine you and your brother in the same room. Miss you!

Virtually every day, a person is blessed with new people. Some enter and some exit your life before you are ready. I had one heck of a year with you guys. I wish at times that my marriage had succeeded but then I talk to one of you and learn something new about myself. I lost a lot of what I used to be over the past few years while married to someone. What would start out as an opinion I had would eventually turn to whatever he wanted. Each and every time I did such, I lost a piece of myself; turning into something that I did not want to be. And a place I did not want to go.

Each one of you has given me the opportunity and knowledge to go forward. T-hoe: what can I say? You saw me at my lowest point and handled it rather well. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend. You have taught me so much and I know I will learn more from you.

Reaching back into the forgotten me has been so much fun! I have friends for life from my first duty station, made friends into family while in Korea, and am making some good ones here in Illinois. I may not have mentioned you by name but you all know who you are. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! 2008 was a rollercoaster ride for me. 2009 will be one of adventure, new things, and a familiar name. Go back through my words, look at the first letter of the first work of each paragraph, and you will learn my new name. To be changed after a TDY in February so prepare for a new me with a little of the old me…the good thing: you all know me as me. I was never anything different but I will grow. Have a wonderful New Year celebration and I look forward to many more fun-filled events over the course of 2009!!!! Love you and miss you all!!!!