Another year older

Photo: me, circa 1981-82
Legal name at that time (and until age 7): "Daniel Louis deKock"

Today's my birthday.

Birthdays are always days that I think back to previous years and think about where my life is and what I'd change and what I wouldn't.

Example: last year I was working at a software company fulltime, doing my video company work part time, and when my daughter was born, 2 days later on Nov. 22nd, I could only take 3 days off from work! I barely had enough time for friends and family. I had no health issues. My video business was busy, but not busy enough to be fulltime. My wife was pregnant. We'd been in our new house for about 5 months.

Photo: me, circa 1995
I was either a lot more brave or stupid at that age...

This year, I'm self-employed - my video business got one contract that could keep me busy for 2 years, that's aside from all the other projects I've been doing. I now have a daughter. We're thinking of moving closer to family so my wife and daughter aren't so isolated when I'm on tour (this likely means Sherwood Park). I have gallstones, and subsequent attacks about once every 10-14 days or so... (while I'm taking stuff to dissolve the stones) I still don't see family and friends as often as I'd like, but more often than last year.... Eug and I have been working on lots of band stuff, and the realities of being a touring band are getting closer. We've been offered a major label distribution deal so that's cool. We're getting played every day on radio now across Canada so that's cool too. MySpace has been cool for us as well - making friends and fans around the world. I lost 20 pounds since December 15th last year by changing one element in my diet: drinking pepsi or coke, or any pop. I haven't had any pop in 11 months. If I want carbonation, I have juice with club soda... I still drink beer too! Also, I haven't been going to enough shows lately so I've resolved to go see more live local bands this year. My sister-in-law is pregnant! This time last year she didn't have a boyfriend... now she's married and with child. So that's exciting. My wife broke her toe on Saturday. I had 2 gallstone attacks yesterday. It's my daughter's birthday in 2 days. We're having a party on Saturday.

I just feel lucky just to spend every day with my family and that I have the friends I do. Here's to a great year ahead!