In the eighth blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, 8 special events, 7-ty degrees, 6 guards a-guarding, 5 reso-luuu-tions, 4 days to New Years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes, and the story of HCG... These are some important events coming up in 2012 and I wish to share them with you...(they are in no special order of importance).
1. The second annual round of golf to celebrate the lives of my Dad and Uncle Ray. It's a year since Uncle Ray passed and Dad will be gone 12 years this year (still seems like yesterday), and once again I will tee it up in their honor this week to celebrate their memory and the game we loved and shared. There is always at least one moment on the course in every round I play where I find myself remembering them both...telling jokes like my Dad or using a putter from off the green like Ray and always with the sarcastic zinger like both of them...(my favorite-"You know the best thing about that shot you just hit? It wasn't mine!"). I feel closest to them when I'm out on the golf course and its those memories that always brings a warm feeling to my heart and tears to my eyes...(which really makes it hard to read the green).
2. The 100th anniversary of statehood for Arizona... Being from the East Coast and one of the original thirteen colonies, it's hard to believe that one of the United States is only turning 100 years old this year. Some of the towns and cities were founded in years after my parents were born. Some of the places are still nestled in the Old West Era and turn of the century mode and I am doing research to see what events I will be able to attend to celebrate the centennial. And , of course, I will bring you along for the ride through the written word. Happy 100th, Arizona...(actual date. February 14, 1912).
3. Seventeen years clean and sober... I don't want to jump the gun, but on April 28 of this year I will achieve 17 years of sobriety. Let me quote the Grateful Dead and say "what a long, strange trip it's been." From the feeling of "I'll never be able to quit" to staying sober one day at a time, it has been a journey that has truly amazed me. The ways in which I have grown as a man...(not mentally) and the things I have been able to accomplish would never have happened if my Higher Power (God) hadn't given me the strength and the opportunities to succeed in life without drugs and alcohol.
4. Teenage for one, double digits for the other...This October, my nieces turn 13 and 10, respectively. WOW! A teenager for my sister. I can remember Sheryl's teenage years and all I can say is buckle up and keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. But I don't foresee any problems. They are two beautiful and well-adjusted young women and being able to see them grow up is a joy like no other. Looking forward to riding the roller coasters of King's Dominion with Sheryl and the girls in Virginia.
5. 54? Really, 54? That is the age I will turn this year. It's hard to believe since I can't remember whole chunks (decades) of my past...(see #3 above). I still believe that age is just a number and I will probably never act mine. I have the mind of a child and an adventuresome (crazy) spirit and the man with the "unique perspective" will continue on. Never thought I would see 40, let alone 54. One more year to "active" adult status!
6. Vacation plans... Who doesn't look forward to vacation plans? I plan a busy travel year if work doesn't get it the way. Hopefully, (and God willing) I will be able to travel with the job to California and New york again. If the summer goes back to form and is a slow time at work, I will be able to get away and escape the massive heat of the Valley. On the plate is a free 3 day 2 night stay in Vegas in May (thanks, timeshare dudes)...a golf vacation with the boys in Myrtle Beach...of course, Aruba (if I can swing the time)...a possible trip mack East or an extend of New York...and I hope another home and home with my sister and her family. And maybe some quick fly and golf to states on my bucket list...
7. Is this the year Jim finally settles down with the girl of his dreams? I seriously doubt it, but I wanted to get your attention back since this blog is extra long-winded...(got to keep the writing juices flowing for the possible book). Dating is an adventure I love to revisit over and over because I like the whole process...meeting for the first time, getting to know each other, hanging out, getting bored and repeat...(oops, the getting bored part slipped out. I know, I'm a pig). I will persevere however, and maybe one of my "soup du jours" will turn into some meaningful...(sorry, but I can't say that with a straight face).What will happen is that I will fall hard for a woman, she will dump ME and the universe will go back into balance...(it's all about karma).
8. Happy New Year! I need to say it now because when I get to work I will be going until about 3 am (my time) and won't be able to say it later. The concert begins around 10 pm (midnight in the East) so texting is the best way to reach me. Nothing is better than a fresh year to make a clean start and I wish for this year to a be a great one for all of you... I know my year is going to be great and attitude and positive thinking are the best ways to make that happen. So cheers for the New Year... I'll blog at you in 2012!
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