Today is my first day of my 34th year on this planet. I will look back at 33 as one of the best years of my life.  Seriously….It’s sad to see 33 go. Last year at about this time I decided that I had had enough of the extra weight. I wanted to feel better-look better-stop being sluggish and not living up to my potential. I wanted to be better for my family and set a strong example for my daughter. 33 will be the year that I changed my life. I lost 35lbs. I found out I had type II diabetes and then got it under control. I got to put on a size 34 pants. Fit into a large shirt (not an XL or XXL). Bought one belt only to have to buy another one months later. Bought an entire new wardrobe. Not had to use the hand rail to get out of my SUV. Stopped making fat jokes about myself. Started to see how out of shape the world I live in really is. Was described to others as “that fit guy”. Took a picture and was proud enough to share it with others. My knees stopped hurting. Amazed my parents. Learned to cook healthier. Became a teacher to others in something besides radio. Caught women checking me out. Gave my wife something better to look at. Heard other women use the word “sexy” when making comments to my wife about me. Saw what this side of 200 looked like on a scale. Ran my first 5k. Was made fun of because of my healthy lifestyle and not the alternative. Walked around my front yard with my shirt off. Was told by people who havent seen me in 10+ years-”You haven’t changed a bit”.

33 I love you. You will always be one of my favorite years. I will miss you. 34 here we go!