When midnight struck Dec. 31, 2005, I felt a distinct blanket of weight lifted off my shoulders. 2005 was a year that I was incredibly thankful that was over. I felt that 2006 could only be filled with great success and happiness, or at least a rebound from '05. Well, I don't know what I'll feel at midnight tonight, but I can say that '06 has been much better.

A job promotion (directing the 2nd band at a 5A high school and still teaching drumline); joining a gym; standing up and not letting higher-ups put the security of my band hall on the back burner; watching Jenni grow her company into a success (jennifinlaypromotions.com); watching one of Jenni's artists (James McMurtry) receive Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the Americana Music Awards; spending more time with friends; getting a new lawn mower; oh yeah, getting a hole-in-one!...all contributed to a pretty good year.

Mainly though...I became aware that while doing all those things, I can no longer put people who are special to me on the back burner. Well, 2007 awaits. I've got all my plates spinning, now I get to see how far our life and success really will go!