2010 A Look Back and Forward

The year started off January 1 like many others, watching the Rose Bowl with close friends and eating really, really good chili. This coming January 1 will start the same but with the twist that I really care about who wins this Rose Bowl-GO FROGS!!!! January 1, 2011 is officially wear PURPLE DAY in the Shubert household. My twelve year old adopted TCU about 5-6 years ago in respect to former SD Charger LaDainian Tomlinson and we've followed the Frogs ever since. We've been to a couple of games with TCU, most notable the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl victory over Boise State.

January is also a fun month to start the year as my beautiful wife's (Sue) birthday comes early in the month. It's always been fortunate for me in that if I miss on Christmas gifts to her, that I can redeem myself relatively quickly with a fantastic birthday gift. 

So, the rest of 2010 was interesting. I played some indoor soccer with a group of players that I coached in their high school days. It was a amazing they asked me back to play-I hope it wasn't too embarrassing once I got on the field. I scored a couple of times, so maybe it was O.K. 

We had some sad moments in 2010. It started great with a new dog early in the year but sadly she was a bit too high strung and she bit my mother, of all people and we had to let her go. It was a very difficult decision and time in our home. We did recover with a lot of prayer and hugs. Now, we've added a wonderful dog to our family, Samba-part Labrador and part Catahoula Leopard Dog. Named by my wife for his soccer dribbling skills. 

The high school soccer season ended back in late February with another post-season for the Wolves of West Hills High School. It was not a great run this time however as we were beaten badly by Pt. Loma HS. Still, the players were outstanding to coach and were honorable in defeat. I learned a great deal and now with my team this season that started in November 2010, I've already applied many of those lessons. I've been so fortunate to have had the pleasure to coach such a quality group of players over the years. Twenty-five seasons of high school soccer, what a blessing to me. I can only give Thanks to the Lord for the opportunity He's given me over that time. I pray I've used it well. 

The kids did well in their activities. The boys were great in Little League and our oldest-Gabriel will be going into his last year of Little League this year. Wow, that went fast.  I was able to be the manager for our 8 yr. old-Dylan. An experience to say the least. We did have a great playoff run and came really close to making the championship game but just fell short. Our daughter, Isabella, continues with gymnastics and soccer, as Dylan really took off in soccer this year. Club soccer for him next!!! Hurray-I've got one in soccer. I'll be going back to club soccer coaching as well-that will be a new challenge that I look forward to facing. 

We took some short trips this year. The family went to visit Sue's sister and husband in Seattle in June. Wonderful city and time spent with family. Super fun day at the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. We took trips to Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, several times. And, Sue and I went to fabulous wedding on 10/10/10 of very dear friends Andy and Minette in Moab, Utah. Moab is incredible with Arches National Park. We had a very fun stop over in Las Vegas as to boot!! 

We had excellent visits from Sue's Aunt Jeanne from New York and my Uncle Gabriel from Costa Rica. Laughs and memories from both of those weeks. 

I think of all my friends both near and far that I've shared life with throughout the years and say to you I treasure each friendship more than you know. I'll try to show you all more with each day that passes. From my co-workers that do amazing things with children showing such patience and grace to coaching friends that keep me competitive and striving for excellence to long time friends that share my emotions that go all over the place (as they know) to every person I call friend and have contact with-may the Blessings of life fall upon you from the grace of God's love. 

So, 2010 had some outstanding highlights and some dark moments. Overall though, as I write, I look around the house and listen to the sounds of Wii Rock Band, electronic Uno being played; I see Sue preparing for Christmas; I feel the Blessings bestowed that I do not say Thanks nearly enough, so I say Thanks now. For all the struggles of work, finances and everyday stress, I say THANKS now and forever for they make me look for strength that I do not have on my own. God Bless to all and here's to 2010 and to a new and better 2011. Peace.