Caitlin and I leave tomorrow for a “much deserved” vacation… I think our last vacation that left the borders of Canada was Vegas in 2000, so it’s been a while! This will be a nice, relaxed episode of painting and crocheting on the beach, drinking Coronas… Trying out my underwater camera… Seeing how much Spanish I remember… Enjoying the cool breeze on the Baja…
I’m not bringing my phone or my computer with me, so I won’t be replying to messages or calls until we get back, nor will I be moderating comments — sorry!
All-in-all, 2008 has been a great year for me. Most obviously, my difficult legal dispute over BME resolved in a very positive manner. While I didn’t get to stay on running the site, the deal we spent far too long working out allows me the wonderful opportunity of having some time off while I decide what entrepreneurial adventure to tackle next… and that adventure has already begun and I have high hopes for it and am looking forward to working with the friends who are doing it with me.
More importantly, the two beautiful lights of my life, Caitlin and Nefarious, have been joyful companions on this adventure with me, and have brought so much happiness into my life, and given me the strength and motivation to keep improving myself and keep following my dreams. I’ve had such an amazing time with them both, and they act as my muses and inspirations in all that I do. I’ve hugely enjoyed being able to pursue painting again — when I finished high school, I made the decision to follow a life in art rather than a life in science, and I remain content that I made the right decision.
It’s been such a joy — more than I can write — to watch Nefarious grow up and to help her learn. She is an amazing child, and every day of being a dad has left me fulfilled in a way that nothing else has ever been able to do. When I drive to her school to pick her up at the end of the day, every time I find myself overflowing with happiness that I’m about to see her.
As much as I’ve greatly enjoyed the life of being a father, I continue to enjoy my regular conversations with my own father, and the projects we have together. We first worked together in the 80s on cutting-edge technology, and I’m glad that he’s involved in my current projects in the same sphere twenty years later. Additionally, when I was a child one of the ways my father passed on his ideals to my brother and I was through interactive storytelling, and I’m excited to be working on childrens’ books with him to take these ideals and ideas to a larger audience.
Medically there’s been some struggle in 2008, but finally it seems like it’s coming to a conclusion, and the sense of hopelessness I had about it seem distant. It’s affected me more than I’d like, but at least I’ve learned about myself because of it, and become emotionally stronger through the struggle. The pain has also made me appreciate Caitlin and Nefarious even more.
I leave 2008 with warm memories and positive anticipation for 2009.
13 Comments
I have no body mods so I suppose I shouldn’t be here – I dunno… I understand the concept but it just isn’t for me – although I may get some special tattoo one day, we’ll see !
Anyway, I have greatly enjoyed your blog over the years since originally getting the link from Autoblog about your cammo Porsche.
I am happy that you are finding peace in the world unlike what I read from a certain bitter other person. What goes around comes around…
As a father I can appreciate what it is like to see my little girl (now 8) develop every day and surprise you. So many parents don’t spend enough time, bond or listen properly to their children IMHO.
Have a great vacation. I look forward to your writings and observations for many years to come.
beautiful post. Nothing like having children! Its the best! And while it sucks, nothing like some adversity helps you appreciate the people helping you through.
Good on ya man. Im at the point in my life where i need to either find something artisic a can do as a job or really just leave it for the weekends. Awesome blog though ! Have a good trip.
Have an awesome vacation! Take some mad pictures!
I know this is probably silly can you please tell me a bit about the bear/rabbit image? (I can’t read the autograph)
I absolutely love it!
I love this post. Seems most everyone I know is bringing a close to this year in good spirits. I’m excited to see what next year brings, aside from little feet!
Have fun you two!
xo.
Have a happy and peaceful 2009 – and enjoy that vacation!
While I know you guys will miss your little ray o’ sunshine on your holiday, I hope it’s a altogether wonderful one. Great job on declaring it a electronic communication device free holiday too. Happy New Year!!!
have an amazing holiday Shannon and Caitlin! Can’t wait to read your update when you return and see what new adventures the two of you get up to with your little gem Nefarious.
New Year Blessings!
Have a fantastic vacation and happy holidays to you!
My son is now 20 years old, that feeling of joy when you are about to see them never goes away. He lives away at uni and I miss him terribly…the piles of laundry less so…
Have a wonderful holiday, and here’s to a great New Year.
“Shaka when the walls fell” do I wish I knew where in Baja you all were! If you were close to Ensenada/ La Ruta del Vino it would be a pleasure for you and Caitlin to stay with me. Heck, even if you weren’t, but just passing through you could. Have fun all the same!
P.S. Your accounts of your love for Nefarious are always refreshing for me. You see, I care for kids her age and younger at a casa hogar, some of whose own parents have done horrible things to them, leaving body (and soul) modifications the kids never asked for but will always have. Thank you for helping me to be not-so-jaded at the world. My hospitality is the least that I could do to thank you.
Cheers to that.
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