Here we are.  On the cusp of another year and it's time to look back at this past year and reflect.  It's been a rather quick year in terms of how fast this one went.  I know it's said that as you get older, time goes by faster and I'm truly believing that.

While this year, as did last year, had its share of ups and downs, I can honestly say I've grown as a person.  I've been able to look into myself and learn a lot.  I've learned I'm human and make mistakes and I've also learned from others and their character traits and even though there were a few hard times and challenges, I can look back and appreciate what I've learned.  That is all in the past now and I've moved on and am much better off.

The year started with a bang and had some interesting moments of decision making that I always tried to do with an open mind and the best intentions.  However, sometimes the best intentions are never enough and you just have to resolve to try harder or not try at all and walk away.  I did both and it was a rough spot for me as I came to grips with some lingering issues that had been affecting me for the better part of half my life.  The moment I acknowledged that side, it felt like a weight being lift from my shoulders and I could see what was happening.  It didn't necessarily cause things to change right away as I continued with some of the same old routines, but I at least had a start, even if it took many more months to get in and get help.

The middle of the year had me traveling to Stuttgart Germany where I worked for 3 months and saw unbelievable places and sights.  Paris, Prague, Switzerland, Berlin, Austria were some of the countries and cities I visited while the castles I saw will be forever engraved in my mind as well as pictures.  I skied in the summertime in the Austrian Alps, played my way through Disneyland Paris, followed history in Berlin, visited an old enemy in Prague and simply put, lived life to the fullest while I was there. 

My return trip brought me back to see loved ones, friends and family and connected with some new friends and also re-connected with some old friends.  I was also able to go back to my "home" in San Diego and re-familiarize myself with my city and places I had been to years earlier.  What an amazing trip that was. 

Halloween time was awesome with visits to both Halloween  Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream with my guy.  Epcot Food and Wine Festival was it's normal incredible self too with me visiting several times with friends.  Christmas, as much as I love it, was not my favorite time this year as I just wanted it to be over.  The stress and commercialization was overdone this year and while I did get time to visit WDW and all the parks, I was ready for it to be over.

So as I look back at this year, hope to take it out well and bring in 2015 with all the hope and potential I'm feeling right now.  It's gonna be a good year!!! 

Bill out...