Dear Diary

I know its been a long time since I have written and I am actually disappointed in myself. I guess so much has been going on I haven't had time to reflect on it. What a year:

1) As of yesterday I found out I will be the father of a girl! I found out it was going to be a girl yesterday, I've actually known I was going to be a father 4 months ago.

2) Because of 1) we have been working around the house quite a bit, installed new doorknobs in the entire house, spackled, sanded, painted some walls and trim. Who knew little things like this take up all excess blogging time. It really feels good knowing those things are done and they even look good too!

3) I've been reading lots of things. Blogs, news, books (parenting, baby-naming books, finished the Dark Tower series). These things take lots of time away from blogging too.

4) Went to Aruba, tried wind surfing (actually not as hard as I thought and a good workout, but I would like to have a few days to start having some real fun).

5) Took a relaxing trip up to Door County, WI. Fun time biking, decent food, etc. Fall is nice for the leaves, wasn't really crowded, but Apple picking wasn't quite what I thought it would be. Maybe it would be better to go when the weather is a bit nicer, but I did have a great time.

6)My twin brother had a beautiful son in April, a really amazing kid. This kind of made the decision to finally get past all of the excuses and start a family. As much as I like to think I was ready, when it really hits you, I don't think any type of mental preparation is possible.

7)Many concerts throughout the year, lots of good music released and even music new to me that wasn't new. Still love the punk rock, but some great Indie bands like Tegan and Sarah, Band of Horses, Arcade Fire, among others have really taken over my radio.

8)Work has really picked up. I've really stepped up and have taken on a lot of responsibility even just in the past year. I guess it goes with the territory working for a small company that has had some pretty good growth. With responsibility comes stress, but I've been pretty good about dealing with it so far, although I have had a few sleepless nights.

9)I have decided to change my lifestyle somewhat to coincide with my pregnant wife. I have cut out caffeine (decaf coffee, no soda) and have limited my alcohol intake significantly. It really changes the way you eat, socialize, etc, but I want my wife to know I'm there through everything.

I think I could go on and on, 2007 was a great year! I'm looking forward to 2008 as well. Maybe I'll get some of these things down as they happen instead of writing so much at once. Probably not, since I will be even more busy than ever!

Well I better get packing, taking a short vacation to Myrtle Beach before things get really crazy with work/fatherhood this summer.