And so, the time is once again upon us… that time when we will spend the next month putting the wrong date on things. 🙂

No resolutions for me, because I think it’s a bit silly to set things based upon a rollover of the calendar; you should always be setting and achieving goals. That said, a few months ago I did set some goals for myself that I put “end of 2010” as the deadline for. A few I’ve already accomplished, such as starting to reload my own ammunition and trying out action pistol competition. I’ve got more things set for myself, my hobbies, my career goals, my wife (more and regular date nights!), and my kids.

Looking back, it was generally a good year. Some challenges in the day job, which I know took a toll on my mental, emotional, and even physical health and well-being. But in the end it panned out well and I think things are overall better off for it, both for me and for the company and project. I didn’t get to spend as much time with the wife and kids due to the job situation, but now that the job returns to normal (so to speak) that all should be something to remedy. For instance, I really want us to go camping once the weather warms up a bit. Time outside, with the family, fishing, renting canoes, just enjoyable time together.

I also want to go hunting more. My deer lease just did not work out on a number of levels (money lost, but education is usually not cheap), but I did get to bag my first deer, which was a high point. I’d love to bag some hogs every now and again over the coming months, including taking the kids out for their first hunts.

So while life hasn’t been perfect, that’s OK. If life was always grand well… it wouldn’t be very interesting. You need some low points once in a while to help you recognize the high points and truly appreciate them. When I look at the sum total of the past year and my overall life, it’s certainly in the black. Life is good. I’m thankful for what I have and I do what I can to keep and improve it. Like I say every morning to myself when I wake up, “Daub, don’t fuck this up.” 🙂

If you reflect back upon your past, I hope that it too has been one that meets or exceeds the expectations you set for yourself. If so, I hope you can continue the upward trend. If not, I hope you’ll continue to work to bring things in line with what you want. Life’s what you make it.

Peace and love to all.