Old year, new year

I am writing this column before the end of 2008 and I am feeling pensive, reflecting on a year that gave me a lot of good things, while taking away some others.

My daughter, Nora, was born in March. A while back, in this column space, I complained that she was a little boring. Since that day she has just sparkled, growing more animated and opinionated every day. One of my resolutions this year is to not sweat the small stuff with my kids. Every day frustrations tend to creep in, especially when I get tired, but overall I realize that my wife and I are blessed with happy, healthy and energetic kids. I will not cry over spilled milk in 2009, nor will I get angry when vegetables remain on Colin’s plate. It just means more for me.

A few months after Nora’s birth, the editing and revising process of my first novel, “Time Killer,” was done and my wife and I had it self-published and availble for all to read. I sold around 30 copies in 2008 and even got a chance to sign it at the Peachtree City Literary Festival. Feeling that success, as small potatoes as it might seem, gave me what I needed to finish the first draft of my second novel in November. I will start the revision process on Monday. After a much needed break in December, I feel refreshed and ready to make the book, tentatively titled “Love Spell,” good enough to seek real publishing.

Last year, I made a resolution to do more good deeds and I think I followed through. I donated blood several times, donated a ton of clothes and assorted items to charities, and started recycling. I know I can do more and I hope to do so this year. In tough economic times, making financial donations isn’t easy, but giving of myself and my time is possible. In 2009, I plan on becoming more active in my community and doing my part to make the world a better place.

I lost 20 pounds in 2008 and will be shooting to drop about 10 more and get under 200 pounds for the first time in....God knows how long. If you’re planning on trying to lose weight in the New Year, here are the things I did. I ate a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast, five to six days a week and I gave up soda for at least six days a week. I brought my lunch to work four days a week and didn’t drink any alcohol during the week. I allowed myself a tiny snack at night after a sensible dinner and exercised for roughly 30 minutes three times a week. Most of the time I just went for a walk at the park, but I also did some workouts on my Wii Fit. I won’t guarantee that it will work for everyone, but after being bad during the holidays, I’m getting back in the saddle with a lot of optimism that the same process will work again.

Lastly, even though I had put myself on a theater hiatus because of the new baby, I was coaxed into joining a production of “Some Show,” at Fayette Senior Services. It was fun to meet new people and perform before a crowd again. I’m looking forward to trying out for a play at Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn some time in 2009.

2008 certainly had its low points. My stepfather passed away in May. He had been sick for awhile, and I’m sure that he is in a better place now, but it was still quite sudden. I hope that everyone I know has a healthy 2009 and that I let all of my friends and family know how much I love and appreciate them.

Also in 2008, a number of my friends and some of my family members lost their jobs. Each day, I glance up from my desk and am reminded of their absence. I hope that the economy bounces back in 2009 and that they can all find work again soon.

The good outweighed the bad in 2008 and I guess that’s all anyone can hope for. I want to pass on my best wishes to all the readers for a happy and healthy new year, one in which the good outweighs the bad.