MELI KALIKIMAKA

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.
Blane and Martin

Christmases come quicker and quicker each year. I can remember sitting here last Christmas' morning and writing an entry while Jacky and the dogs slept. And now one quick year later I am doing the exact same thing:) 2009 has been a fabulous year for me. These last two years have been without a doubt the best two years of the decade for me. Part of it is some of the changes I have gone through but the biggest part of it is the friends I have and the new friends I have made over these last two years. I'm still a work in progress. I'm still a big hunk of clay that needs to be chipped and sanded and buffed. I am, however, starting to grasp that if nothing else I get a whole lot of joy out of making people smile. I used to use it as an overcompensation for things I felt I lacked, and maybe I still do to an extent, but deep inside it is who I am.

It wouldn't be a Christmas post without me complaining about winter. It has a chilling effect on me both literally and figuratively. Our weather has just been bizarre as can be these last few weeks. A foot and a half of snow, followed by arctic temperatures, and now Christmas rain and freezing rain. It makes a greyhound unhappy :)

I really like to spend this time of year thanking the people who have had a big impact on my life this year. I don't want to leave anyone out so let me start by saying. Thank You to everyone. Everyone who reads this, Everyone who stepped out onto the sand with me and everyone who stepped onto the sand on the other side of the net. Everyone who went and saw live music with me and, everyone who took the time to make, copy, or recommend some music for me. Thank you to everyone who watched some sports with me, dragged me to a game, cheered for Rachel Alexandra, or consoled me after a Terp loss. Thank you to everyone who inspired me this year and believe me that is all of you. Every single person with whom I interacted at the Ridge. You people are truly unbelievable. You inspire me in your actions and your words. I see you do things I can't imagine and then I revel as you make me do them with you. The world is a much better place because of the people at Fitness Ridge, of that I am sure. Thank you to all my friends in Madison you just make my life so much more fun. My best friend used to be my TV and while I still like the guy you guys blow him away. Thank you to my family, my two dogs and most importantly my wife. She has put up with me being gone for a ton of time these last two years and is nothing but supportive as can be. Meli Kalikimaka to you and enjoy your trip to the Kokua Festival in Honolulu. There should be a joyous scream when she reads this :)

I do need to give some extra special shout outs. To my volleyball teammates I can not wait to climb back into the sand with you guys. To the people I share my trivia travails with Paul, Sara, Jon, and Allison thanks for the brain exercise each week I love it. To my workout partner Karen who opens up her gym to me and sweats with me. To the staff at Fitness Ridge you guys make me feel like family and I can't wait to see you. To a few special people who have not only inspired me to try this sprint triathlon but who promise to push me so that I don't completely embarrass myself. Thanks Jen, Linda, Sharon, Paige, John, Nancy, Matthew and especially my Utah workout partner Eric.

Speaking of the sprint-tri. Now would be a good time to invite all of you to join me in the race. The race is Saturday April 3rd in St George Utah. a short two hour drive north from Vegas.If you are going to be at the ridge that week sign up. If you want to come to Vegas and watch the final four which is that weekend sign up. If you have always wanted to try something like this but were afraid you'd finish last sign up..... you wont finish last in this event. If you have had a few too many of these or a few dozen too many( seriously those things of which there are only one on the plate, chow mein noodles, butterscotch, cashews and chocolate are like crack) sign up this will motivate you to get rid of those holiday lbs. You guys are all welcome and I would love to have as many people as possible join me in this adventure. If I am doing this there is no reason not to join in the "fun".

Peace to everyone. Here's to an amazing next decade. I will be starting to 2010 by once again buying Powerball lottery tickets for the first drawing of the year to share with my readers. Anyone who leaves a comment gets to join in the festivities. I will split all the winnings with anyone who leaves a comment between now and the end of the year. You know you are going to feel awfully silly if for some reason we win and you didn't leave a comment :) Merry Christmas, thanks for being a part of my life. I love all of you and wish you nothing but Peace, Love, Great Music, Lots of Wins, Endless Fun, the Warmth of the Sun, and Joy in the coming year, JIMMY T.