This week marks a couple of anniversaries that changed my life.
This time last year, I published my first book. It marked the end of not just a 3-year long project but also fulfilled a lifelong dream. I have been writing fiction since I was a very young boy. I have copy books filled with short stories - and frankly, they are all mostly unreadable. But one year ago, I shared one worth sharing.
The last year has been a dream. I am so grateful that I get to talk to people about Catch-It and Penny and Jugger. I can’t explain the feeling.
The book’s launch kicked off a year that I don’t know if I will ever top. Not only did TNHTSU do great, but I married my wife. And we found out we are having a baby boy. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily . . .
Ten years ago today, I moved back home from Chicago. When I was a younger man with not much to lose, I decided to venture out on my own. I drove my car the 700-something miles to the Windy City and moved into a one-room apartment. I spent 5 fun years there. I learned a lot about myself and growing up, and how it’s not mandatory with age. And then I moved back home.
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Montgomery County - they’ve always been home to me. Most of the friends I made in Chicago were all transplants. Rob was from San Diego. Blake was from Colorado. Jacky was from St. Louis. But I was Mike from Philly. It never left me. I’m glad I ventured out. And I’m so glad to be home.
As I think about these life events that affected me greatly, I have two recommendations:
Do the thing.
And
If you can buy a one-way ticket somewhere, do that too. You can always get the return later. Even going back is moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who have made this last year and the nine before that incredible.
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