My Thoughts on the "Bellagio Bandit..."

... In case you haven't heard about this...

Judge's son arrested in Bellagio robbery - News - ReviewJournal.com

... Interesting story right? Can you believe some guy had the guts to rob a giant casino and that he was caught by selling some of the chips to an undercover police officer?.. But that has nothing to do with why I think this story in interesting... It's the delinquent, Anthony "Tony" Carleo (AKA Anthony Assad), that peaks my interest.

Mr. Carleo and I attended Roncalli Middle School and Pueblo South High School together. We didn't interact a whole lot, but here are a few memorable instances of our paths crossing:

• 8th Grade U.S. History (The only class we had together): in order to impress some of the more "popular" kids, Tony poured itching powder down my back...


• Sophomore Year of High School - While sledding with some friends in the park, Tony drove through the middle of the park in his car, not watching who else was around (thank goodness we moved).


• Junior Year of High School - Tony drove around a dude who was looking to fight me even though Tony had nothing to do with anything...

So, as you can see, never had a great relationship with the guy.

Tony was always trying to fit in with the "popular" crowd, even though I think only some of that crowd actually appreciated his antics (the most popular antic being "the flying squirrel", which was him whipping out his scrotum and stretching the skin in certain ways). Either way, Tony went on to be voted our "Class Clown" (which has a history of going to a "jackass" vs. an actual funnyman) and would graduate from high school. That's about the extent of what has happened between him and I and really the only interaction.

Now that you know my initial impression of Mr. Carleo, I can now continue to tell you about my thoughts on the whole burglary. The reason I want to even discuss this is based on the reactions I saw on facebook. Some were making fun of Tony, others were sympathetic. Lots of people were just surprised by the whole thing and had no other reaction. I think you can imagine mine, but I wanted to blog about them a bit in more detail. So let's look at the case a little more.

• First of all, this has to be one of the gutsiest burglaries ever. There have been multiple movies on how hard it is to steal from a casino, including the "Ocean" series and even "The Hangover" (Alan card counting took three other people). But then there was this guy who walked in a casino with a gun and a bike helmet and stole the equivalent of 1.5 million dollars... Regardless of what you think, I'm sure this will cause a re-evaluation of casino security.


• Second, he obviously didn't do his research. In fact, I don't even think he thought it through. Personally, I think he went in looking for cash and didn't have the opportunity so he took what he could get (three minutes in and out, not a lot to time to think). I think Tony took what was available, and I think the dealers he stole from knew to give the higher value, more easily traceable chips.


• The chips he stole aren't really worth anything, but he could sell them (how he got caught). To put the value in perspective, if Tony sold the chips 10 cents to the dollar, they would be worth $150,000, and that's assuming they were all $25,000 chips.


• Regardless, I can't see this burglary being a case of real desperation. You don't go into one of the biggest casinos in Vegas (and maybe the world) if your desperate for what you can get. You don't steal 1.5 million dollars worth of chips if you’re looking for tuition money. I don't even think you steal that kind of money for a drug addiction. Maybe he was in debt to some real bad people, but I have trouble believing that considering he was living in a gated home with his judge father (makes me wonder if he thought his dad could help if he did get caught).


• I don't think Tony committed the first burglary at the Suncoast casino. First of all, the perpetrators in those incidents look different. Just look at the helmets. They appear different, and not just in color. The first incident happened at a casino I've never heard of, was planned for cash, and not even that much. Tony's incident was at a world famous casino he apparently loved (See Money, gambling and the Bellagio: Anthony Carleo, this was your life. - News - ReviewJournal.com), wasn't very well planned, and had multiple chips worth more than the total money stolen in the first crime. I think Tony is a copycat criminal, thinking he would get off scott free when they caught the other/original burglar. Instead, it looks like he might have to pay for a crime he didn't commit (in my opinion).


• Speaking of committing crimes, I don't know if there is actually any proof the robber was him. Yes, I think the video of the criminal running away from the crime scene looks like him, but I can't prove that (and I dunno if anyone can). He was caught selling the stolen chips, so he's at least involved with actual criminal (if it's not him) to some degree (especially with $900,000 in his possession and $1.2 million accounted for), but there's no proof he's the actual burglar until they find the helmet, gun, or get a confession.

Tony is a showman. He wants to live large and in charge... he just never had the success and means to accomplish the goal. That led him into some trouble (check out Former Pueblo resident charged in $1.5M Bellagio heist in Las Vegas - The Denver Post). He treated a lot of people poorly along the way, hence the laughter of this incident. He also made some friends along the way (I've noticed more of them are women, just saying), hence the sympathy. Either way, he needed a reality check a long time ago, and I feel for him that he didn't get it. With that said, he's an adult. He made a stupid decision... a really stupid decision. If you make the decision to get drunk, you deal with the consequences whether it be people making fun of you or you getting in to trouble. This situation is the same. He made a decision to do something ridiculous and foolish instead of reaching out for help or calming down. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone else he's been close to, and I hope he gets the help he needs because this has to be the biggest mistake he ever makes if he wants to ever have any chance to live the "good life".

It's Not Technically "Volunteering..."

... But it's close.

In order to be more charitable, I thought I would work on raising some money for some charities in 2011. The first charity being the Junior Achievement's (JA) Bowlathon.

JA's mission is to inspire and prepare young people to embrace free enterprise and succeed in a global economy. JA's vital K-12th grade business curriculum comes alive when volunteers lead students through innovative and hands-on lesson plans. These volunteers serve as invaluable role models by helping students to understand the important role that education plays in their future success. Learn more at http://www.jacolorado.org/ As some of you may remember, I've been involved in this charity before. In 2007, I agreed to raffle off the right to cut my hair using the raised fund to donate to Junior Achievement. As you can see, it was a semi-big sacrifice as I had to keep the hair style through the weekend and that Monday at work. When the dust settled, we raised over $700! In hindsight, well worth the embaressment. I'm looking to match or beat that number this time around... hint hint, wink wink... By the way more pictures from this haircut can be seen on facebook or by clicking here.

By supporting the JA Bowl-A-Thon, you are directly impacting the lives of local students by empowering them to own their future success. So why not donate a dollar or five (the website does accept $1 donations)... Use the link below to donate or, if you prefer, check out my facebook page (since I'm sure I'll have a number of links posted there). We will be raising money until March 31st, 2011.

https://fundraising.intelis.com/jarm/?A=144557

Thank you for your time! Hope you're doing great and to hear from you soon!

Clint

So This is the New Year (2011)

Once again, I’m not going to start this blog with my traditional "The New Year" song lyrics (written by Death Cab for Cutie) since I've done it a couple times before, but if you would like to see those lyrics, which are very fitting, see my "So This is the New Year (2008)..." post.

So, without further adieu, let's review my 2010 resolutions...

Improving my culinary skills even more… Success? Not really. Didn’t do a lot of cooking for lots of reasons (wasn’t home much, went out some, etc). Hope 2011 brings more culinary endeavors (I have a feeling it will).

Volunteering… Negative. I really dropped the ball on this one. Didn’t really do much. I can blame it on everything under the sun, but really, I just need to get to it. Hopefully this upcoming year can really get me going on this task.

Complete at least two home improvement projects… Another no. I didn’t do much. I can tell you it’s because I’ve been trying to refinance to have more money for this, but that was only since July (don’t ask why it hasn’t happened yet… long story). You know 2011 will include this resolution… again.

Learn some new skills and things... No again. I never got the guitar lessons, I never got to CPR, and I never did the home brew thing… It was an off year… Yeah, this WILL change.

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... Yes? I was “promoted” to the senior level this year, and I am making slightly more money (in addition to a bonus), but the desire to move more is stronger than ever…

Physically, I want to stay active, but I would love to add ten pounds by the end of the year. How’d this go? Pretty well actually. I added on weight (though I’m going to want a little more in 2011) and did a decent job of keeping myself moving. I really want to expand this year...

Finally, I want to do a better job communicating and updating with all my friends… And I did an okay job. Facebook is the best avenue for this, but I could always do better (Think this will be in the 2011 resolutions? You bet...)

So, as you can see, 2010 wasn’t my most productive year by any means. I had a lot of fun hanging with Carolyn, the fam, and with many friends (old and new), but it really wasn’t enough, and 2011 is the avenue to get past that! How you may ask… Let’s explore…

Improving my culinary skills even more… Again... Care’s been excellent to observe and talk with, and really, I should be cooking for her more… Cooking for myself once in a while could be okay too, though it’s not nearly as entertaining… I am cooking for Care on Valentine’s Day weekend, so there’s a step in the right direction.

Volunteering… at all! Still would like to the habitat for humanity thing, and/or be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army (they don’t need to pay me). Those are a little tougher to get into, but that doesn’t mean I should limit myself to only those. I need to look for volunteer activities (so if you know of any, holler at your boy)!

Complete at least two home improvement projects… I have a feeling this will be completed this year. Carolyn’s got me more and more interested in painting, and I think the locks on some of the doors need changing… plus maybe some decorating. Since Care and I have been together for over a year and a half, it might be time to make the bachelor pad more appeasing to the (or her) eyes.

Learn some new skills and things... You can mark this one down as a YES, I guarantee it! You see, my oldest brother and I have already purchased the equipment to start brewing our own beer, so that’s going to happen. Care got me improv classes for Christmas (thank you sweetness), so that’s going to take place… and that’s just January and February. Still want to learn CPR, still would like to take guitar lessons, and still would be open to trying new things (not quite ready for sky diving or a marathon thank you very much). Excited to see what this year holds.

Make some positive moves professionally… Like everyone else, I want more money/perks, but I also want more responsibility. I want to manage people. I want to be set up for success. I want to feel confident that what I am doing professionally matters. I will make the changes necessary to get there, even the more extreme changes people do not expect. We’ll see what happens.

Physically, I want to gain 10 lbs by the end of the year and be in better shape that I am now… I am thinking about including my Wii Fit Number here, but I don’t know how reliable that is. For fun, let’s say I want to be 25 (last time I did it, I was a 38, but mostly I’m in the 30ish area). To achieve this, I’ll need to up my game a little. Keep working out, but change it up more often, stay consistent, and eat better/drink less… I’m thinking of giving up chocolate for lent… I’d love to get into soccer again (so holler if you need a player/sub), I'm looking forward to doing more road biking when things warm up, and there’s talk of getting a flag football team together, which I would love to do as well. Plus still want to play some hoops…

I want to do an even better job communicating and updating with all my friends… I have already reached out to some of you, but I’m by no means done. And for those of you I have reached out to, I’m dead serious. And for those of you I do a good job hanging and chatting with, well, I don’t want a decline to occur. Make sure to follow me on facebook, I’ll let you know what’s up. I want to have more than one game night this year, maybe more than just one (annual) BBQ, a number of poker games, and the first anniversary of the 29th birthday is coming up in June, and I want to do something really fun with lots of people for that.

To go along with that last one, I would also like to spend more time with family... I got a great taste seeing my parents and younger brother and his man for a good portion during the week of Christmas, and it left me wanting more. I didn't get to see my older bro and their families much this year, and I would like to see them more... Already have plans to babysit my nephews and to make beer with Mike, so hopefully this is just the start of something good.

This one might be a little of a surprise… I would love to catch more shows and observe more culture… I only went to the Smashing Pumpkins and Blue Man Group this past year… Yeah, that means that Care and I went to Snow Patrol in 2009 (when she had blonde hair)… not a great showing. Plus I missed the King Tut exhibit at the Natural History Museum… I saw “The Black Swan” this holiday and thought that was interesting. So with that said, I would like to see more, experience more, and learn more… I hope Carolyn’s on board…

Finally, I would like to Blog more... I enjoy writing, now I just need to find topics worth writing about...

I don’t want to overwhelm you (or myself) with resolutions, so I’ll stop there, but don't think this is all I want out of 2011. I'm still playing with being a parent and adopting a puppy and planning to purchase a surround sound system soon, among other things.

Anyway, here’s wishing all of you a great 2011 that is more than “just heaven”. Feel free to write me, call me, whatever, and let me know how it’s going, since it’s always nice to hear from you.

Happy New Year!

Clint
Clint.crockett@gmail.com
Twitter: clintcrockett
Facebook: clint.c.crockett
Google: clint.crockett
Yahoo!: sit_bits06

My Time Away from Facebook…

Hello readers! As you may be aware, I gave Facebook up for lent (even though I’m not catholic). Why Facebook instead of alcohol, sugar, or video games, among other, more traditional ideas? Because I use Facebook much more often than any of those other things. You all know how social I can be and what have you, so it was tough. I am appreciative of those that kept in touch using other means while I was away, but I know they had to go out of their way for that, hence why this would only be temporary. But I never cheated, even though there’s some women adding wall posts about going to “facebookhugs.com”… right…

So what did I do in the meantime? Well, here are some thoughts from my sabbatical from Facebook…

My new favorite web tools: Google and Twitter. Yes, I finally caved into Twitter with the persuasion of my younger brother... and I’m glad he persuaded me. It’s been interesting following Adam Schefter on ESPN about NFL free agency. I’ve enjoyed Conan O’Brien’s random comments (and finding out about his comedy show before others). I follow Spoons so I can get the menu update. And I dig getting Nuggets bench updates during the game... so all in all, it’s been good. As for Google, yes, I already had a gmail account, and Google talk, but I was able to expand on both of those by updating my contact list (that is now also on my phone). I also started using Google voice, Google Buzz, Google Latitude, and iGoogle, all quality programs I would recommend to others. So even though I’m using Facebook again, I’m still going to use these other web applications.

MySpace sucks. As I’m sure you’re all aware, MySpace is pretty lame now. I went on there during my Facebook absence, and I gotta tell you, not very impressive. Things took forever to load, there are too many little gizmos, and it just seemed perfect… if you’re 14. Long story short on this one: Pass.

My blog is interesting again. That’s because, instead of spending time on Facebook aimlessly looking around, I’ve spent time finishing/writing in it again (obviously, right?). I am actually excited about this and hope this continues. Now I just have to keep the interesting topics heading your way…

My phone has become a lot more useful. Without receiving constant alerts from Facebook, the battery has last longer, the RAM hasn’t filled up nearly as quickly, and it hasn’t annoyed Carolyn nearly as much as in the past. So, I’m either going to keep the Facebook alerts (on my phone) to a minimum, if I turn any back on at all.

Why get the internet at home? With Facebook out of the picture, I rarely needed to use the net while in my abode. My Smartphone can do most everything else I would want, like checking out the Nuggets game or updating Twitter, so why get the internet to use at home? I will also say that this saves me some frustration because, as much as I’ve enjoyed my laptop the last five years, it’s getting old and not working like it use to… So minimizing use is a good thing.

I have missed the fun updates. Not only those hearing about how other are doing/what their up to, but also posting my own and getting feedback. I am looking forward to that part again in the near future. Also looking forward to all the picture sharing and random games people play (i.e. "doppelgangers")…

So here we are, 40 days and 40 nights after giving up Facebook. What’s changed? Well, the time I spend on there will, that for sure. I won’t run to check every update. I won’t let it interrupt anything from now on, but I will look forward to all the fun that is Facebook again… Whoopee!

But all in all, I enjoyed myself during the sabbatical. Hung out and had some fun dog sledding with the rents/fam, seeing lots of friends, and even getting a few card games in… Life is good…

... But now that I’m part of every single social website, I hope to hear from you soon (what can I say, I love being in touch... and it’s a new years resolution… What? You don’t remember?... Read below…)

With that said, I hope everyone is doing great! Check ya later!

Clint

P.S....

Go Nuggets!


Go Blue Devils!

Checkin' In...

Hey Hey there friend-os.

Hope this finds you all well and loving life.

I haven’t written in this in quite sometime, so I thought I would share some with you all. I have written my new years blog back in January, but have yet to publish it since I haven’t gotten a the pictures from the celebration yet. Be looking for a “retroactive entry” soon.

In the meantime, thought I would say hello and give you all a little update.

I hope everyone know that I have now been seeing Carolyn for 10 months... Yes, this will be the longest relationship I’ve ever had. But I’m excited to see what the future holds for us and what fun we’ll have in the near and long term future... I have no doubts it will be epic.

So what have I been up to? Well, not much really. Just hanging out and having fun really. I know it’s been a year since I’ve written on here, so let’s see. I went on a cruise last “spring break”. It was a through a single cruise group, and it was tons of fun. Met lots of fun people, saw some beautiful scenery, and just enjoyed the time away. It was weird though, all the stations in the cabins were from Denver, so I will still in the loop. Go figure.

Let’s see, what else. Last summer, Zach and I did go to Indiana with our Ma to see her side of the family. Very enjoyable, especially since we were lucky enough to see almost everyone. We even got to go see Billy Joel and Elton John perform in Columbus (I’m aware this is in Ohio).

I took a few days to check out the New England area in late September with my friends Mat & Shanna, and Kris & Sarah. I had a great time and loved being out there. Good times were had by all (and thanks again for their hospitality).

Other than that, just spending time with Carolyn, friends, and family while doing what I can to enjoy life. Work is still the same, so nothing to report there. But life is great. Dad’s busy as ever working (and now we got him playing cards with us, it’s great), Ma is getting ready to retire this June, Zach’s getting ready to graduate in May then move downtown with Raul, Mike’s working hard, Bob’s raising the kids, Chowder’s moving along despite his previously torn ACL, and the turtles are still doing there thing. We unfortunately lost Sable the Ferret due to old age last month, but we’ll always remember the good times and little things she did to brighten our days.

So what’s ahead? Lots of cool stuff actually. Carly and Bryan are getting married in November, so heading back to Mexico for that ceremony. Brian and Rena and getting married in July, Amy in Jeremy in June, and Sarah and Kris this weekend, so lots of fun there. Ryan and Laura are going to be having their first child this August, can’t wait for that! As for me, I’m excited to keep having fun. Game nights, BBQs, playin’ cards, hanging by the pool, and whatever else comes along. I’m really excited to get back on Facebook and be in the know again (since I gave it up for Lent and all). But not much else to report, just staying the course…

Alright, there’s a quick update from yours truly. I hope you’re all doing well, and would love to hear from you soon! You know how to reach me…

... But if not...

Clint Crockett
Clint.crockett@gmail.com
Twitter: clintcrockett
Facebook: clintcrockett
Google: clint.crockett
Yahoo!:sit_bits06

Hope all is well! Check ya later!

So This is the New Year (2010)

Once again, I’m not going to start this blog with my traditional "The New Year" song lyrics (written by Death Cab for Cutie) since I've done it a couple times before, but if you would like to see those lyrics, which are very fitting, see my "So This is the New Year (2008)..." post.

So, without further adieu, let's review my 2009 resolutions...

Working on the results of my dating life so far... Successful? Hmmm… Let’s see... Carolyn and I started dating in May and things are still going well… So I think that, yeah, this has been pretty darn successful! So successful in fact, that I will not include this as a 2010 resolution (are you freaked out yet? Because I am)…

Improving my culinary skills further... Successful? Sure, kinda. I cook every now and again, and I help Carolyn sometimes too, so sure, we can add this to the “yes” pile… doesn’t mean it stops though, ya know?

Volunteering... Successful?.. No, but seeing improvement. I did do some this year. I even made attempts where I was turned away (Bell ringing for the Salvation Army).
But I wouldn’t go around bragging about any success… Guess what’s going to be on 2010’s list?

Keep Traveling... Successful?.. Yes! I’m happy with my trips this past year (Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, Hanging with Fam in Indiana, seeing friends in New England), and I already have some ideas for this upcoming year (Mexico in November for Carly and Bryan’s wedding and Vegas this summer is also a possibility)… This will be removed from my future resolutions at this time… it’s a good thing.

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... Yeah, I know, this is very vague, but was there any success?.. No, not in any way, shape, or form. The economy and the merger to Staples (from Corporate Express), among other things, put a stop to that…

Complete at least two home improvement projects… Successful? Yes and No. I did get the ceiling fans installed in my bedrooms and living room… but I think that’s it. I have some other ideas... see below.

Learn some new skills and things... Yes and No. I FINALLY bought guitar, and I taught myself a few cords (“the sky was the limit”), but I need to do more… I did try skiing again for the first time in 12 years, and I learned more about vino… so what’s next? Hmmm...

Continue being active... Successful? YES! Soccer’s been going strong all year round, and I’ve been running a lot more with Carolyn in the picture. I’ve also kept lifting. Care’s getting into racquetball now, so it just gets better… Now if I could get to playing hoops again.

So what 2010 contain? Well…

Improving my culinary skills even more… duh. With a lot of the stuff I’m learning from Carolyn about nutrition, I feel this could be a great year for some great food...

Volunteering… Yes, I want to do more. I want to get involved with Habitat for Humanity this year, in addition to take advantage of some other opportunities (like Bell Ringing... know of any more? Let me know...).

Complete at least two home improvement projects… I have a simple project I would like to complete sooner than later, but nothing too crazy or wild. Carolyn keeps talking about painting, but not sure how I feel about there (especially with the vaulted ceilings). Still would be down with hardwood floors, but not ready for that leap yet… any ideas?

Learn some new skills and things... I have some good ones on deck I think. I want to make my own beer at some point. I could see that as being a lot of fun (does that count as improving my culinary skills too?). I want to take a guitar class as soon as possible and really get that going, show that I really am a rock star. I want to learn CPR this year as well (in case anyone has trouble after hearing my music or trying my beer).

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... I’ve been with the same company in the same position for nearly five years now, so I feel it’s time for a change. I don’t mind what I currently do, but I want more responsibility… and money. I’d like to develop some new skills and possibly help manage someone (or some people). Basically, I feel like I’ve maxed out what I can do in my current position. I’d like to stay with my current employer, but only if the opportunity is there. Again, with the economy, only so much can be accomplished, and the merge hasn’t put me in a great position, but we’ll have to see what happens… wish me luck!

Physically, I want to stay active, but I would love to add ten pounds by the end of the year. I know that with the running, soccer, and being active, that can be counterproductive, so I might have to hit the weights a bit more, modify my diet slightly, and try some new activities (Kickball anyone?), but I can handle it!

Finally, this might surprise some of you, but I want to do a better job communicating and updating with all my friends. I feel in the past year I didn’t get to talk (enough) to many of you, and even more I didn’t get to see and/or hang out with… Plan on changing that… Be on the look out for game night invites, a BBQ (maybe more), and card games… (and a "side resolution", I need

And I don't think this is all I want out of 2010. I'm still playing with being a parent and adopting a puppy and purchasing a surround sound system, among other things.

There they are: my 2010 resolutions. We’ll see how they go, and no time like the present to start. Remember, YES! ;)

Anyway, here’s wishing all of you a great 2010 that is more than “just heaven”. Feel free to write me, call me, whatever, and let me know how it’s going, since it’s always nice to hear from you.

Happy New Year!

Clint

So This is the New Year (2009)...

I'm not going to start this blog with my traditional "The New Year" song lyrics (written by Death Cab for Cutie) since I've done it for the last two new years posts, but if you would like to see those lyrics, which are very fitting, see my "So This is the New Year (2008)..." post.

So, without further adieu, let's review my 2008 resolutions...

Working on the results of my dating life so far. Successful? Yeah, kinda. As most of you know (or can read from my previous post) I was seeing Erin for most of 2008, and I learned a lot about a many things, including more about me, what I want, and who I am as a person and in a relationship. Though Erin and I have since gone our separate ways, I really enjoyed our time together and appreciate all the memories and things she had a part in teaching me.

Improving my culinary skills further... Successful? Not really. Don't get me wrong, I cooked a little bit, and learned a few things sure, but really didn't do as much as I expected. Erin did a lot of cooking when we were together, which was great, and because of time and other aspects, I didn't do as much as I would have liked... something to look forward to in 2009 I guess...

Volunteering: Successful? Not at all. Disappointed on this one. I meant to do more, including bell ringing for the Salvation Army, but it just never happened. I can't make anymore excuses, but I want to try to get it going in 2009...

Travel More: Successful? Again, kinda. I was able to do a little more "getting away" from here. Went to Chicago in March, Cabo/Mexico in April, and a few trips around Colorado, including Aspen, Breck, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Pueblo, Springs, and what have you. Had a great time, and look forward to doing more traveling this year.

Professionally, want to increase my income by more than $9K by the end of year: Successful? Roughly 80%. Tough economy, but I was able to get a nice raise nearly the beginning of the year, so right before the market went to hell. Lucky me.

So as you can see, 2008 from a resolution stand point wasn't the best, but it was a good year. I learned a lot and am looking forward to 2009...

... So what are my new resolutions for 2009? Well, as I write these, I'm going to keep the movie "Yes Man" in mind. I went and saw that film over the 2008 Christmas holiday, and I have to say I enjoyed the concept. I'm not going to say yes to EVERYTHING like Jim did in the movie, but I really like the idea of being more open to opportunities in life... So here we go.

Working on the results of my dating life so far... Duh right? Well, I want to keep in mind all the experiences I've had so far with this and learn from them, either to not make the same mistakes again or improve what I am already doing right. Okay, moving on.

Improving my culinary skills further... No joke right? I feel I could have done more over the last year and should have made more opportunities happen... I did learn some great things last year to work into this so I am looking forward to putting that to use.

Volunteering... No excuses this time. I want to do the bell ringing for sure, but I want to do more. If you know of any great opportunities, please let me know.

Keep Traveling... I'm still putting money aside, and I still want to see more of what's going on. I don't think I'll head out of the country this year unless I have someone to go with (I would love to do parts of Europe), but there are a lot of possibilities throughout the country, especially in the East. Maybe go see people I know, maybe go see places I know no one, but I want to get away and see what else is out there... let's see what happens.

Professionally, I want to make more money and get promoted... Yeah, I know, this is very vague. But, with the Economy being what it is, and the changes going with the acquisition of Staples, I don't think raises or promotions are planned this year. But, I have been there 4 years, worked really hard, and will keep working to make more money and possibly get promoted (I am interested in becoming a manager). I really just don't want to be stagnate and will do what I can to keep improving my financial and professional situation.

Complete at least two home improvement projects… I bought a place for a reason, right? I want to get bedroom and living room fans installed before it starts getting warm outside, but other than that, not sure what other project I want to complete. Painting? Carpet? Room decorating? Dunno…. Any ideas?

Learn some new skills and things... I want to learn to play a musical instrument (Piano/Guitar), learn to ski or snowboard (again), and really get a firm grasp on wine, among other things...

Continue being active... Going to keep playing soccer, doing Yoga, and lifting, but want to get back into Racquetball and Basketball in addition doing more things I've done before and things I've never tried. I know I’ve lost some weight this year, and this upcoming year, I’m hoping to add the weight back on in healthy way.

And I don't think this is all I want out of 2009. I'm still playing with being a parent and adopting a puppy, purchasing a surround sound system and/or large, flat panel television, and making my own beer, among other things.

There they are, my 2009 resolutions. We’ll see how they go, and no time like the present to start. Remember, YES! ;)

Anyway, here’s wishing all of you a great 2009 that is more than “just fine”. Feel free to write me, call me, whatever, and let me know how it’s going, since it’s always nice to hear from you.

Happy New Year!

Clint