Happy New Year from HnA!

So here we are yet again. A new year is knocking on the door as we say goodbye to a year gone by. As all of you know the craziest thing that happened for us was the birth of our son, Sammy, in October of 2012. It’s been an absolutely indescribable year for us due to that. The interesting thing though, is that Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s typically cause us to pause and reflect…but why?

I mean, I understand the significance of these days and why they cause us to ponder but the issue I have is that we should be that way every single day, all year round. Why do we wait until this time of year to make changes, resolutions, spend time with family and friends, understand the importance of family and friends, appreciate life, slow down, and so on? This baffles me. We need to get on the ball and remember that the length of time we have on this planet is unknown to us.

For me personally, I don’t feel like I’m finished here. I want to have many more decades with Annie and I want to watch Sammy grow up, get married, and really start his life. I have friends and family I’m not done having good times with. There is some serious traveling I want to get to. I really want to make a difference in this world…whether it be amongst my friends, in my community, or in the world…and I haven’t fulfilled my need to do that.

This life is short folks…as you know. That feeling that we’ve had at 9/ 11, the shooting in Newtown, or when you lost a relative you were close with…it makes you appreciate LIFE. It makes you appreciate the MOMENTS. I cannot express it enough, no matter what you are doing or where you are at in life, grab the bull by the horns and hunt down YOUR happiness with a vengeance.

I will pause for a second to say thank you to each and every one of you. This January of 2013 will be 3 years that Annie and I have been doing this blog. I am so thankful for the doors it has opened, for the friendships we’ve made through this blog, and for the knowledge I have gained. Most importantly, I am so happy that it has been a project for my wife and I to do together. I am beyond lucky, beyond fortunate and I know it every day of my life. Thank you folks, sincerely.

Now back to my point. I wish each of you a New Year of fulfillment, peace, happiness, and unconditional love. Again, I know I get corny sometimes but this is how I feel and I’m strong enough to share it with you. I have been the most fortunate to have Annie in my life, she’s been the light I needed to find ME in the darkness and to her I am grateful.

Find your thing folks. Don’t let anything stop you. This is our ONE choice that could end at the drop of a hat. Don’t stop, keep going. The one thing I know for a fact, is that the road will one day end for each of us…so until then, own it and LIVE YOUR LIFE!!

From Annie and I (and Sammy), we wish you nothing but the happiest of New Year’s and hope 2013 brings you health and laughter!

Thanks again and cheers!!