The Obligatory New Years Post...

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."
~ Bill Vaughn

As 05 draws to a close and we enter the latter half of the first decade of this new century, I feel inclined, if not, obliged to say sayonara to 2005 and give thanks for one of the best years of my life...

I know, its truly an original idea isnt it? I'm sure that more than half of the blogs on this site have some version of the same idea... but hey, I'm a conformist, and I'll readily admit that...

Anyway, thanks 2005... thanks for:

-- The arrival of my first child, a beautiful, healthy baby girl we named Paige Mackenzie. Becoming a parent is everything I ever thought and hoped it would be, and I honestly have never been happier than I am right now.

-- The renewed strength of my marriage to the love of my life, my wife Lisa. Having children can put a strain on a marriage, as there is less time for each other and you cant just jet off to get away from it all. Well, luckily for me, I have a beautiful wife who is an amazing mother and parter, and yet she still manages to keep the fires burning for her hubby. Our marriage is stronger than ever and I love her more today than I ever have.

-- My family and friends. I count myself lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends and a fantastic family that gets along so well.

-- My job. After 4+ years of "paying my dues" as I like to call it, I finally secured a position that I truly love. It's not so much work when you enjoy coming in each morning...

-- My health. Need I say more?

anyway... enough sappy stuff...

As I roll into 06, I think I should probably drink less, eat better, exercise more, save more money, etc, etc, etc... and while I will make an honest effort to stick to those default resolutions (except the drinking part)... I'll be surprised if any of them make it to February...

Happy New Year everyone...