**Life Changes**

It has been a while. Life changes fast. I lost my wife to brain cancer in April 2024, and my mother in March 2021. I left my job and started a new career with Paradigm Fleet Services, but my wife's illness got in the way. I took eight months off to be with her, and we had some good days as well as some bad ones. Eventually, I left that job and took a new position back with Johnston Chrysler on January 2, 2025. 

During this time, I have had interactions with people that were strange, weird, and wonderful—all of the above. For my 30th birthday, my wife gave me a coupon for a tattoo. Twenty-eight years later, I finally cashed it in. She wanted to see the design before she passed. I also got a second tattoo symbolizing the important people I've lost—six ravens, representing both Norse and Native American mythologies.

In 2024, we celebrated the first of my nieces and nephews getting married. It was pretty awesome, but I felt a lot of emotions, missing Jackie. I am truly blessed with wonderful family and friends.

I believe that 2025 is going to be my year. I intend to rise from the ashes like a phoenix—this might be my next tattoo. I have been reading a book called *The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck* by Mark Manson, which is truly worth the read. The main message is to take responsibility for your situation, learn from your mistakes, and recognize that there is no such thing as perfect. We only have so many “f*cks” to give, so don’t waste them on the undeserving.

This year, I will navigate a new position as the Commercial Fleet Manager for Johnston Chrysler. This position didn't exist prior to my rejoining the team. I will also be entering the wonderful world of dating in the 21st century. I’ll be going on my first first date in over 30 years, which should prove interesting! Swiping left and right isn't really my style, but who knows? It’s a big step for me to put myself out there. If it doesn’t work out, I won’t waste one of my “f*cks” worrying about it.

Getting back in shape, both mentally and physically, is important to me. I'm taking some time for myself. The realization that I have too much stuff, I have starter to declutter my house, and my head. 

This summer next-in-line niece is getting married in the summer which will involve a trip to the West Coast with Family. 

This year, I strive to be a better person and more helpful to others. If someone is struggling, I want to be there for them—a friend to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to tell a stupid joke to. I recently experienced a year where just knowing someone was there for me was incredibly important.

I look forward to reconnecting with many friends that I have let slip away. I plan to make regular entries to document this journey and share funny stories—there are always funny stories!

I am excited for 2025. While I will never forget what I have lost, I won’t let that be a roadblock as I move forward.