01/16/2026
Late New Years Post: This past year had a heartbeat. Awake or asleep, my heart kept beating. A pulsing energy that tied me to my place and people. Whether if it was carving my skis to the ridges of the snow, swaying to beats of the DJ, timing the waves under my surfboard, etching my pen into the paper as I plan history lessons, repping metal weights in the gym, or spinning down the dancefloor with my beautiful wife: my heart felt in sync with the world around me. Much of my year was spent in my car, Ol’ Ironhorse. Though it’s a machine, I honestly feel like my car has been a loyal friend. At the beginning of the year my odometer said 20,000 and I ended it with 50,000. Every mile was so worth it. Those miles and their destinations have changed my life forever. Like my hero Indiana Jones says, “it’s not the years honey, it’s the mileage.”
And after all the miles and the wild nights in between I’m happy to say that my heart has been changed. Like many before me, I followed the road to California to find gold. The angel I found there has a heart of gold, pure and radiant. Through our many adventures by the ocean and red rock, we formed a loving connection stronger than I’ve ever felt. Joining my dear Eva in marriage I’m so excited to continue to strengthen our connection and accomplish our many goals together. Ending the year certainly isn’t happily ever after, the road goes ever onward. But I do feel like 2025 is at least the end of a book for me. The end of my 20’s, ten years full of adventures, friendships and lessons learned that I dare say are quite unique. That’s what makes this Instagram community so special is that we all have unique experiences and perspectives. We can’t forget that and as we go into a year sure to be more turbulent for our nation than most preceding it, may we all find our hearts again and learn to work together to solve problems. 2026 we stand, not sit.