Happy New Year

Where will I be in a year?

I ask that question every New Year's Eve. Inevitably, I always find myself looking back and thinking, "a year ago, I never would have guessed THIS is where I'd end up." For instance, I found myself on my town's Main Street when midnight finally came. I was crouching on the ground, video camera upon my shoulder, taping a group of people counting down to the new year. Later, as I was walking away, I smiled to myself. "I never would have guessed a year ago, this is where I'd end up."

So where will I be on December 31, 2006. I have no idea. I've decided uncertainties like that are what make life intriguing.

But let's back up. Let's reminisce on 2005. In all honesty this past year could be the best year of my life so far. I started it in Big Sky, Montana. For the first few months of the year I snowboarded to my heart's content and made a lot of money toting the bags of rich folks around. I also got to know some pretty amazing people. The Holy Trinity of Chris, Josh, and Brian came into my life. Good, good guys. Nicole became one of my favorites as well. Established friendships were tested but ultimately nurtured. And I began to sense that my seasonal life was coming to an end.

I moved on to Glacier for my 4th consecutive year in May. Deep down I knew it was my last extended stay in the park so every magical moment there was amplified a bit. There was more of the same here. New people entered my life. (Hello Heidi) Old friendships were strengthened. (Dave, Audrey, Ron) I spent a lot of time with the park. She knew I was sad about leaving her so she was pretty good to me. No major mishaps. No bad weather. No bears. No miserable hikes. I left in September with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I knew I was moving on and I was thrilled about that. But it's never easy to leave something that works so well for you.

Fall came. I got serious about the job hunting. To be honest I wasn't optimistic. My credentials were 4 years old and I was afraid no one would care to take a chance on someone out of the game for so long. But they were all I had so I went for it. The response was more than I could have hoped for. I got a lot of replies and eventually ended up where I am now. I'm living my dream as a news anchor and curiously wondering what 2006 has in store for me.

Happy New Year everyone.