Gentle Readers,

As of today I'm embarking on my thirty-seventh year. This last year has been so amazing and insane. I ran for and was selected as Baron of Skraeling Althing and in doing so rejuvenated my love for the SCA. As a result we spent most of our weekends traveling around Ontario. This was facilitated by my being laid off from my job were I had been working for a couple of weeks shy of five years.

Not only did my unemployment make being a new baron easier, but it also let me help with the suprisingly extensive renovations we did. Originally meant to be just 2 rooms, it became a gutting and rebuilding of half our house.

I had a short contract with my old company but managed to find new employment just as a longer contract came through. I'm feeling very comfortable with my new collection of co-workers who seem to have much more in common with me, being that they are a bunch of Martial-Arts geeks. The fact that half the company does kick-boxing twice a week was a big incentive to my wanting to be a part of the company. The opportunity to work with some aspects of Java that have been off my radar for a couple of years was a lovely added incentive.

This is also the year I've managed to figure out what works for me in terms of diet and just how important Vitamin D is for me. I'm in some of the best shape of my life and I feel strong and happy.

Thank you all for being such an amazing part of my life and contributing to an amazing year.