So on 17 October (in about a week from today) I turn 36. Not quite old, but no spring chicken either. And I try and look at what I've done with that past year. So on my last birthday 35, I had just served a tour over in Iraq and had been promoted to Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. So how does this year compete with that?

Well I actually got to finally spend a whole year in Hawaii. And let me tell you "It's very nice!" I've seen my first born start his Kindergarten year and my second born continue to overcome her autism by leaps and bounds. I couldn't be prouder of either of 'em.

I worked very hard to see my comic title get off the ground only to watch it crash and burn. My involvement with X-Comikz has taught me a lot of things. Sadly, not all of them good, but lessons I think I needed to learn none the less. I wish I hadn't invested so much money into it, but given the chance to see a dream come true I probably would have done it the same way. What did come out of it was the fact that I got to meet some decent people. One thing John was able to do was bring good people together, even if he in the end disappeared. I'm not done with Comics and Writing by any means. Hopefully I will be able to start again very soon. Turbulence wouldn't go down for the count so easy and neither will aye.

I was able to help a friend who was deployed to the gulf recover from when his house was flooded in Denver. He lost a lot, not as much as some of my friends in the Philippines by far, but I was able to get him set back up again. And for that I'm both grateful and proud. I only wish I could help more people the same way.

One thing that will happen just past my birthday is the birth of my third child. Another strong male heir for the my empire. He seems healthy from what the doctors say, if not a bit skinny. He's due early November, but if we make it past October I'll be surprised. The wifey is ready to go. 2 Boys and a Girl, for those of you keeping count at home. And I love 'em all.

All in all it has been a regular year filled with ups and downs that were normal without to many major spikes in either direction for me and mine. The bills were paid on time, the family was fed and for the most part happy. For me that's a pretty good thing.

Now normally I see people on here ask for art for their birthdays and I'm not opposed to that at all (hint hint nudge nudge) but if you feel like doing something for me this year, here is my Birthday request. Read one of my stories and leave a comment. Tell me what you liked or didn't like. Leave constructive criticism. Something... anything... I'm a writer and well... we like feedback too. So if your so inclined any of those things would be cool. If not that's cool to.

So for those of you who made it this far I wish you all 2 points of good karma for whatever you might need it for. I lift my Miller Light in your general direction in cheers. OR if you prefer a Cider & Black or even a mug of Orion. Thank you Navy for all the drinks I've had around the world. And if any of you are in Cambridge, go down to the Yippee and have some noodles for me.

UPDATE 17 OCT 2009

The Happy Birthday Song [link]

Well looks like I made it. 36 years old. Took my official PT test the other day fro the Navy. 13 minutes for a mile and a half. I've done better for sure, but I've done far worse, so that's not to bad.

My mom flew in to visit, to get the news that my son may be born early. He's due on 4 Nov, but my wife is 2cm dilated already. So could be any day. Here's to another good year. Cheers everyone!

EDIT UPDATE 18 OCT 2009

I just wanted to send a big Thank You out to everyone who wished me well yesterday. You guys were great. I'd like to give a super shout out to my friend for giving me this wonderful present:

It's a take on Turbulence and Siphon taking on Corruption. I think it's great. And it was the only present I received, so many Kudoos to him for taking his own time and effort. I truly appreciate it.

Wayne