I just looked back over some of my earlier posts in 2008 and late 2007. They were dominated by thoughts of Jon, losing weight and of course sports. It's amazing as time passes how so much stays the same yet so much changes and how those two things intermingle.
I can honestly say that 2008 was a year of growth for me. I became more spiritual, more determined to succeed (whatever that means) and more in touch with my feelings and who Gil really is. As usual with all the good there always comes the challenges. I am not big on 'Resolutions' but if I were to say I have ONE big resolution for 2009 is to approach the challenges with my head held high and be the fighter that I am...stay positive, push through, love strongly and be the man I found once again in 2008!
As each year gets ripped from the calendar I also rip off another year of life. I have NOT been looking forward to turning 40 in January. I am trying hard to turn that around and getting to spend time with the best group of friends a guy could ask for in December was helpful!
to recap the month - the first weekend in December brought friends from all over to Atlanta for the SEC Championship and a
mini High School reunion. I also reflected on the loss of my good friend Jon Barkan and spent a couple hours at his grave. I am blessed to have so many good memories in a short time span. I also have enjoyed watching his oldest have a great relationship with Rachel that I hope can flourish into what we had. Days go by, like Keith Urban says, and December rolled on. Kids concerts and Cydney's Siddur Presentation were some highlights. In mid December I went on a 'boys' trip to NYC...Scotty's
40th (the last of the group to turn 40...besides me that is). From the 2:00 AM trip to Tick Tock that Friday night to we bid
farewell after a frozen day at the JETS game I realized how fortunate I am. The weekend flowed into Monday and I spent yet another day reminded of what the great surprises in life can give you! Back from NYC it was off to 9 days in South Florida
with family and friends. It was peaceful and non-stressful! To cap it off I was surprised not once but TWICE with early
birthday wishes - thanks, here I am dreading 40 and you throw it in my face 3 weeks EARLY - just kidding, I LOVED it!
So turns the page to 2009. I am scared of 40. Not because I am getting older, greyer, slower, etc...it's because I am now expected to do all the things I do. In your 20's when you climb that Corporate Ladder quickly you are an 'emerging star' and surprising people. In your early 30's that continues and you get recognition. You become members of elite groups like "40 under 40" and "up and Comers". Seems like at 40 that stops...there is no 50 under 50, there is no "your at the middle of life and climbing" award. I am fearful that I will not live up to all that potential heaped upon me. The economy and all the world uncertainty does nothing to make that feel better.
However, as I started with, this is MY challenge...at least one of them. I am determined to face it head on, the only way I know how to do things.
I will keep blogging, I will keep striving to be a better person, for my family, my friends, my clients and business partners. Lastly I will strive to enjoy it all, smile, laugh and love.
"We'll follow the rainbow wherever the four winds blow" - Keith Urban, Making Memories of Us
