Reflect

Evening folks. Got to watch a little bit of the Super Wolf Blood Moon before diving into this post. I think I"m going to split this up actually. A quick recap of the week and my 2018 review. I know I haven't done this in the past but I wanted to knock out both of them anyways, so bare with me. First the week. My illness resurfaced and I've been coughing and sneezing all week. Perfect. I had a 6 day work week Sun-Fri so didn't get to see much of Mia. She had some friend issues that resulted me in joining her for lunch/recess one of days. Didn't mind coming but hated that there were problems again. Hopefully things get better. Coming for lunch and recess will never be the same again. Every kid came up to me saying hi with a "remember me??" Super cute. Mia couldn't give me enough hugs before I left. I really need to get a day job so I can see her more often.

Friday we FINALLY got the snow Mia and I have been wishing for. Yeah there are plenty of resorts to snowboard at but I want just a little one-on-one time with her learning at our own pace without a lot of traffic before we take on snow parks. The drive home was dicey but made it. Saturday Jill, myself and Mia were supposed to make it to Indiana. Due to the driving conditions and our unfortunate illnesses, we didn't make it, so we played low Saturday. Chelsea played Arsenal and I really don't want to go into how bad that game was.

Sunday I got my snowboard boots from a local guy. Really nice condition pair of Burton Invaders. Took them for a spin today with Mia and they were super fun. Despite the chilly weather, we went to work learning how to snowboard. Mia went from "DON'T LET GO OF MY HAND DADDY!" to "let's built the kicker bigger!" She refused to release my hand but eventually I slipped it out and she was good to go. She never wanted me to hold it again. She started to get better at stopping and slowing herself down as well as a bit of turns. Need a bigger hill to learn to turn and carve. I did a few runs but not many due to having to help her get her bindings on strapped on. It was probably 10 degrees out but you never knew she was cold. Such a great time before getting stuck at work all day. Nothing major for the week ahead. I have to find goggles and a helmet still, and tomorrow at 9am I have a phone interview with C2 talent for possible work in my field.

______________________________
2018 Reflection. 2018 was quite the year for us. So many things going and I hope I hit the majority of them in this post.  The big one was celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary with a major trip to California and Hawaii. We had such an amazing trip and were so stoked to have Mia and our good friend Leanne with us. Shark diving was a big first for me as well as body boarding. Didn't get to surf but if I make it back, I'll make the attempt.  Our beach ceremony was perfect and it was fantastic hanging out with our local friends and exploring new places.

Mia had her 2nd season with the NBAA soccer. First time having an assistant coach which was fantastic. Mia focused on her footwork before every single practice.  On paper it wasn't the best season, but these girls bonded so well and Mia made her very first goal in their last game. She never game up and really improved along with her BFF Cecilia. Both will a play with bigger kids next season along with some of my other 2nd graders from the Cheetahs.
Mia's in her 3rd year of dance. From what I've heard she's doing really well. Her recital last April was awesome. 3 dances and styles in tap, ballet and jazz. Cecilia joined to cheer her on :)

Speaking of which, Jill, Mia AND Cecilia went to their first Wave game. Great time for everyone! Mia and Cecilia want to make another one this season. I hope I can bring the dynamic duo to a Torrent one. Speaking of which, Mia made it to her first Torrent Women's game. She had a great time and even got to play on the pitch after wards. She became a huge fan of player Mariah Downs that season and hopes she can help her improve her soccer skills over the Summer.

One of the biggest things of 2018 for me personally, was conducting art lessons as a side business. Throughout the Summer and school year, I've been working with some talented kids developing their art skills. I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunity and flattered to be considered a mentor and teacher for them. The kids are terrific listeners and will continue to get better the more they practice. I've loved working with them and (since its been a while) look forward to seeing what they've been creating in school.

I've continued my freelance work creating logos as well as the main designer with the Torrent. I'm hoping the upcoming season to get to do more work with the Flood since they have a marketing team at the helm of the creative side of the Blues.

Jill and I (along with the help of her parents) were able to redo some of our kitchen. We busted our butts painting and replacing the cabinets. Looks so much better. We had an amazing and memorable holiday in December. Having my brother and his family take the train to Wisconsin from California was awesome. My half brother and his boys made the trek too from Michigan so it was overall wonderful having everyone here. Seeing Conan O'Brien perform was absolutely amazing as well. Perfect and rare night with Jill!

2019 has already been a busy year and I hope to continue working hard in my creative complicated mind. The goals are is as follows-A brand new FT job, Leave KT and learn 3 tricks on my snowboard. I just started today and hope Mia and I can progress together.

That's all for now, thanks for reading over the year!!