(Christmas Eve always makes me reflective, so here goes, even though most of this stuff is already on this site in earlier posts.)
2025 was the year that I…
Got back in the ocean for the first time since my accident. Not actual swimming — far too cold on the Oregon Coast in May for that. Just let the water come up a few inches above my ankles. It was really emotional, but good. I think I still have water issues, but y’know…baby steps.
Helped Cari have the best year of her real estate career. Y’all have no idea how proud I am of her. There’s like 900-1000 agents in this area (some say it’s more like 1100-1200), and she’s in the Top 10 overall — and most of the others in the Top 10 get clients fed to them by local builders. She’s built an amazing business and has awesome clients who absolutely love her. It’s the coolest thing to see, and be part of as her marketing dude.
Had the best year of my business‘s young life, too.
Finally met my half-sister, Kristin, and half-brother, John! (My biological mom, Marianne, was their mom.) John replied to a message I sent him on Ancestry, and we got on Zoom back in February — Kris and John, Cari, and me. It was nerve-racking at first, but I felt comfortable with them pretty quickly. They’ve been a huge help answering medical questions, since I’ve never been able to tell a doctor anything about my family’s medical history. Best of all, we’ve stayed in touch, they’re super cool, and we’re all hoping to meet in person in the new year.
Went with Cari and Sean for a great weekend of three Mariners games in 3 days in August, then finally got to see them win the AL West for the first time since 2001 in September, and ALSO went to Seattle for one of their playoff games in October. Can’t wait for next season!!
Saw 18 different artists at 8 concerts.
Saw Hamilton in its original home theater on Broadway AND with Leslie Odom Jr. back in his role as Aaron Burr. Incredible!!
Had a wonderfully nostalgic visit to the last Blockbuster store in Bend. So much fun!
There ya go. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!! But I say that with a bit of melancholy tonight because I have some dear friends who are going through difficult times right now. 🥹
Life is short, gang. Squeeze everything you can out of every day you’re here. Gonna keep doing my best to do that in 2026, and I hope you will, too.
