Another year goes by

                I still remember last New Year’s day as the fireworks were going off and everyone was hugging each other. When it came time to hug my dad, he whispered into my ear how everything was going to be alright (as he usually does). I remember replying to him with the most sincere “I don’t know anymore” I had ever given anyone.

                2011 had been a strange year for me.  I definitely made some choices which made me question myself more than once, as I felt as if I was both the villain and the hero in my own life’s story. After telling myself over and over again that everything was going to be OK  and checking around to see that nothing had gotten better, I almost gave up every hope of making it out of this very dark and desolate place which was my own mind.

                This year however, was anything but 2011 part 2. In fact, I should just get it out of the way and say that 2012 was by far the greatest year in my existence yet. I did so many things I never, ever, ever, ever though I could do, and more. I faced more challenges, detours, and roadblocks as well, but I have somehow succeeded at every aspect of my life I have set my mind on.

                This year, I became the first person in my dad’s side of the family to graduate from College, an accomplishment I will remind myself, and everyone around me probably until I die, or until I get my master’s. It was by far, the proudest moment of my life. Here I was 7 years after coming into the USA, without speaking a word of English except the odd curse-word, coming in to live with 3 people I barely knew by name, to reaching my ultimate goal of becoming a professional. Also, after being an active member of the retail universe for so long, I finally landed my first job as part of corporate America working for the Miami Herald, and not only did I manage to keep this job somehow, but also exceeded expectations from everyone around me, most definitely including myself. The fact that my co-workers are the best ever doesn’t hurt either.               

                Luckily for me, I also surrounded myself with some great folks who, probably unbeknownst to them, helped me pull myself out of the proverbial grave I had dug myself into, so I need to thank everyone who I consider a friend, for being there for me, when I needed it the most. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom, opinion and love with me when I needed it. Unfortunately, I’m a bit too good at hiding my true emotions, so you might have not known how meaningful your words were, but trust me, they helped me tons, so thanks to all of my awesome friends!

                I would like to thank my family, for taking me as I was, with my good looks, my brains, my talent and even my flaws. No matter how grey the situation was, I feel blessed that my family always had my back. I can honestly say I have the best mother, the best father, the best siblings, and certainly the best step-mother I could have ever asked for. They give me focus, advice, love and support every decision I make, no matter how destructive it can be (maybe not so much).

                I also need to thank Ralph, Laura and Hector, my fellow band mates in Drawing Bored, but also my best friends for being the greatest people ever. When I first joined this band, I don’t think they realized in how many layers of shit I was on, or how therapeutic joining this band was for me. Joining them was one of the greatest decisions I ever made, so I can’t thank them enough for taking me and keeping me as the resident bass, piano, keyboard, tambourine and rain stick player. There is just something magical that happens when you put us all four in one room with some instruments. It’s a true honor to call them my band mates. Plus, they get additional points, because trust me, dealing with me is not easy……at all, so I need to thank them for that too.

                On that note, I also want to thank our family and friends that have come to check us out, and all of the great bands and people who are in the music scene here in Miami. I’m glad to say we've made some pretty good friends with many people around town.

                So an in all, 2012 was amazing, but I’m hoping 2013 can be even better, for me, my family, my band, my friends, and basically everyone in the world. I just wish that I could call my own self back in last year’s New Year’s Eve, and tell myself that my dad was right. It would have made me drink my glass of champagne a bit slower. This year at least I’m drinking Pisco Sour, so I know beforehand I’ll be drinking it fast.

                Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone!