Omahype: The Omaha Events Calendar

I always like to start the new year by reflecting on the past year.

It may sound silly, but I like to write out all the positives from the previous year first. It’s surprising how many positives there actually are, and it’s unfortunate that it’s the small amount of negative things that seem to consume one’s thoughts.

2011 was a good year, and a challenging one.

After writing out all of the positives, I feel really good about the year. I won’t get into all the details. Instead, here’s what I want to focus on in 2012.

Friends and Family.
I think I took for granted the times I spent with my family and friends. I just assumed they’ll always be here.

I want to make a conscious effort to truly live in the moment and appreciate everyone I’m surrounded by.

Peanut Butter and Jellies.
My favorite food from as far back as I can remember. I’m going to eat one once a week.

I want to take time to enjoy the little pleasures in life.

Skateboarding.
I want to skateboard every day. We have a conference table that doubles as a ramp at SecretPenguin, we also have a private bowl, I have a halfpipe in my backyard and I’m on the board of directors for an indoor skatepark in Lincoln. I’m surrounded, so I really have no excuse. I feel like skateboarding keeps me young. I love it.

I want to do more of what I love in 2012.

Health and Exercise.
I want to live a long time… enjoy my grandkids, enjoy the nursing home, enjoy it all. Besides skateboarding, I want to workout three times a week. I’ve been using this Women’s Nike Workout App on my phone with these great 15 minute exercises. For anyone questioning me working out to a women’s app… these ladies are tough! Have you seen one have a baby? I have! NO way would I go through that pain.

Women are way tougher than men.

Finances.
I have trouble spending money. I’ve gotten free clothing, shoes, watches, skateboards, etc. for 15 years of my life for skateboarding. My wife hates shopping with me because it takes forever for me to commit to just buying a shirt. But this is good. It helps us spend less than what we make.

Our cars are paid for, I haven’t used a credit card in about three years, we have a budget in place and we save a little each month. I want to be 100% debt free this year (besides our mortgage). We’re so close!

Money can’t buy happiness, but I’ve come to realize that managing money (any amount… large or small) makes you much happier and less stressed.

Home at 5:30 p.m.
Running a business usually means working long hours, but I’m going to pledge to be home every day by 5:30 p.m. That means I’ll just have to get in early and be very productive each day.

It’s worth waking up extra early to have the freedom to spend the evening with my family.

Making a difference.
I want my daughter to grow up in a community she’s proud of, feels good about and wants to contribute to. We try to do a lot of work through SecretPenguin to help with that… organizing to get community skateparks built, supporting nonprofit organizations, supporting less fortunate folks, equal rights and more.

Life will never be perfect, but working towards it feels like the perfect way I want to spend my life.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

I hope you all have a great year. Go hug your family and friends.