All I know is ONE

Today this space turns one. Of its first 365 days, I only paid attention to it 64 times. That’s neglect, pure and simple. But hey, I’ve updated the header and am hoping it’s indicative of more changes to come.

It has been an interesting year – and a hard year. I live at work and live for work and it has led to me recently being unrecognizable to myself. My hobbies and interests have fallen to the side of the road… and what’s left feels like a hollow shell of my former self. But knowing is half the battle, right? And I know now. I know that things have got to change. And I have a goal of more than 64 posts in year number 2. (I’m such an over-achiever, no?)

For now, I’ll wrap up this downer of a birthday party with some favorite pictures from the past year that never made it on here for reasons most likely dealing with the aforementioned neglect.

Sparklers are complex to some

Happy to be with Stacy at the company Christmas party

Family action shot

Three things I love: desert sunset, palm trees, crisp white wine

Finally getting to see my best Tuck after 4 years apart

Gavin demonstrating his expertise at fish-hooking

Embarassed by her Vana White-like antics at breakfast

Cocktails at a rooftop bonfire in downtown San Diego

The love that January brings...

A quick little 8-day span in mid-October covers the birthdays of three of my most favorite men in the whole world.

Popi is slightly older than 21, which means that the actual age needs no mention. I'll just say that for a belated birthday present Popi will sit across from me at the Bean sometime soon. Just me and him. Long overdue. My treat...

Chachi, my 2-year-old Godson, you break my heart with your mischievous little grin and the quiet bits of your budding personality that I feel I completely relate to (maybe it's something to do with being the middle child)...

And Squeaky, who had the audacity to turn 1 without me having spent more than 7 days of his life with him. In your expressive face and big blue eyes, I see one of the kindest souls looking back at me. Come Christmas, plan on being wrapped up in my arms with me silently staring at you (and plan on holding still for that, though I know it will be a challenge for you)...

Happy Birthday, my boys. I love you wholeheartedly and achingly from thousands of miles away.