Miss West Sound and 2 Miss Washingtons

I just wrote a brief synopsis of my take on looking at the year just gone by on my Monday morning memo titled, Extra Points.

Here is the gist of it. 2010 has been a tough year for many people. I get it. I’ve read the papers, watched the news, and heard the woes of many. However, I think every year has its own challenges, misfortune, and tragedy. How it affects you depends in great measure to your ability to adapt and change; your experience and perspicacity; and sometimes just luck.

Like you, I’ve faced my share of frustrations and challenges. I choose to take a look back at 2010 and offer up all the good things that shaped the year for me…

• I traveled to San Francisco, Pittsburgh (twice), Las Vegas, and Denver and New York City for the first time.
• I became accredited as an Alan Weiss Master Mentor.
• I watched a lovely and moving ceremony as my daughter Mindy had her hands blessed as a junior nursing student at Franciscan University in Steubenville.
• I started two new regular business columns.
• I became a community sports blogger for our local paper.
• I spent my first full year as a school board member.
• Read terrific books like Tale of Two Cities (Dickens), Flyboys (Bradley), The Art of Racing in the Rain (Stein), and Win Forever (Carroll) to name just a few.
• I took my youngest daughter Kelli back to school in Pittsburgh so she could continue her academic dreams.
• Visited the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH
• I watched Hall of Famer to be Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals play in Pittsburgh against the Pirates.
• I was emcee for the Miss West Sound pageant and a judge for the Miss Moses Lake pageant – both out of the Miss American program.
• I helped to charter a new Sons of the American Revolution chapter in my area (Capt John Paul Jones Chapter in Kitsap County) and became its first Vice-President.
• I spent the last 6 months in my term as President of the Little Norway Toastmasters Club.
• I enhanced my relationship with my brother and sisters.
• Dropped 8 pounds and am fitter and in better health than I’ve been in a long time.
• Started coaching basketball again as a volunteer at the local high school for the freshman boys team.
• I learned many new things about both my parents, even after 46 years!
• We added a new canine companion to our home – Bella.
• I spent another great year with the love of my life, Barb. We live in a great part of the world in the greatest country (my opinion of course) in the world.

There’s more, but I won’t bore you with my details. I encourage you to look back and investigate your own past 12 months. What were your goals for the year? Did you meet them? Did you substitute them for other more important and weighty matters? What lessons have been learned, what new friendships forged, and what opportunities have been taken advantage of?

Look forward to 2011 with great anticipation. I am. My daughter Mindy is scheduled to graduate in May and I will be there with an air horn (or my big mouth) rooting her on. I will celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary with my high school sweetheart. I don’t know what we are going to do yet to celebrate, but I guarantee that I will think of something! I plan on running a re-election (or election – was originally appointed) campaign for the school board. I’m planning a trip to New York for Alan Weiss’s birthday party. I have one more course left to achieve my Certified Risk Manager designation and that will be completed early next year.

I also realize things can happen. My father has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and our plans are fluid based on how he responds to treatment. That will take priority over other issues, but we can’t stop planning our lives. Objectives can be set and goals put forth. Resolutions are big this time of year, but often curtail rather than advance our resolve. My resolution is the same as it always is. To have a positive outlook on life; to be doggedly persevering; to always look to solve problems and find opportunity; and to be the best husband, father, son, friend, and business associate I can be. And finally, to never take myself too seriously, find fun and laughter in life, and to enjoy the gift of each new day.

What about you?

I’d like to offer this blog for anyone who wants to share some of their dreams and aspirations for 2011. It’s always great to share with others, even if you don’t know them. I offer this venue for you.

Thank you for having been a part of my community. Let’s send off 2010 right and welcome in 2011.

© 2010 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

NFL Hall of Fame

Bella Weedin

At the Top of the Rock in Manhattan

with my girls in Pittsburgh

with Barb on our 24th anniversary dinner

with Dad and my brother, Les