2016, Here I Am!!!

The sun set gracefully on 2015.   How will life be different when the sun rises on 2016?  Here are a few lessons I hope I have (finally) learned.

1. Write stuff down.    How do you keep track of stuff?  Calendars, agendas, phones, post-it-notes, and scraps from a recycle bin all seemed like nice ways to keep track of the day’s plans.   I have never really kept any kind of organizer.  “Let me check my calendar” really meant “I’m trying to remember why that date sounds familiar.”  I’ve already picked up a calendar to keep track of my stuff.  First entry: “Jan. 1- 9:00 AM- post your New Year’s blog.”  I am already behind, but at least there isn’t a scheduling conflict.

2.  Man, what blessings have been bestowed on me.   There was a whole lot of closure this past year.  The Trojan Soccer Silver Anniversary celebration, boarding up Room 209 after 30 years of doing business, and the retirement party were events in 2015 that gave me plenty to think about. Summer was the perfect time for reflecting on tons of quality moments.  In my new calendar: “Jan. 4- 6:00AM- back to work.”  Yes, I find my myself  in a school community to which I have become quite attached.  In 2016 I will give thanks everyday for what is and what is to be.

3. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea, but how would I have known if I hadn’t taken the risk?  I haven’t always made the best decisions.  The particulars don’t need to be discussed.  (Did I really need that BMW?)  Fortunately, after most poor choices I kept my eyes open, my head up, and found doors opened I hadn’t seen before.  I have learned to better weigh the marginal benefits and costs. In my 2016 Calendar there is a page on the right for notes. Note to self: “This week I will greet opportunity with unbound courage.”   Feeling more together already.

4. The grass may not be greener, but it sure is a cool place to have a picnic!  Retiring wasn’t all that, but I’ve enjoyed some of the benefits.  Its unlikely I would have traveled to Europe or criss-crossed America.  Working at GLAAZ would never have happened.  I am too spirited to retire.  Second note to self: “Appreciate the opportunity to both nurture old friendships and to grow new relationships.”  I wonder why I didn’t write this stuff down before?

5. There is no time like the present, and the present is now!  2015 brought new challenges.  Parents continue to age and sadly, aunts and uncles, friends and students passed from this life much too young.  I must embrace the people who have a positive impact on my life.  I will remain a dreamer and do all I can to capture that dream.   I will work to be the best husband, father, brother, teacher, and friend that I can be.  I will do it now!

2016, here I am!   I look forward to your challenges.  No appointment necessary.