My mom has always said “this too shall pass” whenever I would call with life issues and other things in an attempt to ease my anguish, if only for a little while. In the past couple of years, I’ve also realized that it also applies to good things in your life as well. However, focusing on what might happen after things end really only ends up in you forgetting to focus on what IS happening. So with that, here is my year in review.
Readers Digest version: I am extremely blessed in a multitude of ways. I’m just trying to enjoy my victories, learn from my mistakes, and greet 2012 with the knowledge that it’s building upon a fantastic 2011.
The long version: I am extremely blessed in a multitude of ways, first of all is becoming a dad. Astrid is a brilliant little girl who has taught me a tremendous amount about myself, just by being a baby. She is amazing. Secondly, I have a wife that not only is a tremendous rock by holding down the house while I’m still gigging, but still chooses to put up with me. I know that juggling the gigging and the day job is a lot harder on everyone with Astrid in the picture, but Jen has never wavered in her support. We celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, and true to form, Jen said “Hard to believe that you’ve been this lucky for so long” to me.
And she’s absolutely right.
In the music side of things, I have had a number of fantastic opportunities. I’ve received a lot of new endorsements, and while gear is awesome, I have enjoyed the relationships that I’ve created with many of the Artist Reps and Owners of companies. In no particular order, I’d like to humbly thank Chris & Tyler at Warwick, Chris at GHS Strings, Danica at Levy’s Leathers, Freda and Phil at Phil Jones Bass, Steve & Dana at Visual Sound, Tom at Black Cat Pedals, John at Peterson Tuners, Corey at NS Design, Jay at Gruv Gear, Jeff at Westone Earplugs, Dirk at Southcoast Strings, Jason at Kala Ukulele, Chris at Daring Audio, and Joe at MDG. You all have been fantastic to work with, shoot ideas off of, and just shoot the breeze with. I hope at some point I will be able to attend NAMM, where I can meet you all in person and shake your hand (with exception to Chris at GHS, because we’ve had a good time hanging out already).
I was able to take my blog to the next level by becoming a staff writer at Bass Musician Magazine. I’ve been lax in keeping this site up, but it’s due to focusing more on BMM articles; stay tuned for some upcoming goodies. Thanks to Valery, Raul and Jake for the opportunity. I’ve been having a ball.
Lastly, I’m still amazed that I get paid to play music. Where it used to be great as dispensable income, it’s been great with all of the added expense that Astrid has brought. To all of those that continue to hire me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. While some nights it’s tough being away from the family, the fact that I can help support them with my playing is something that most people can’t say.
So, as I said prior, I am extremely blessed. I have no idea where everything is heading or will end up, but if 2012 is half as good as 2011 has been, I’m sure it will be completely fantastic.
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