Tomorrow is the 38th Christmas Eve I will experience. In the 37 past Christmases I have lived through, I have received many wonderful and amazing gifts. From the Millennium Falcon and a regulation size pinball machine from my mom on two separate Christmas Eves, to a Pabst Blue Ribbon neon sign from my ex-girlfriend and now friend Lisa – to two personalized Budweiser bar signs from my ex-girlfriend and now dear friend Sandy – I have gotten some pretty cool gifts. But of all the gifts I have been given from family, friends, lovers, colleagues, fans – and even strangers – my favorite gift was bestowed upon me this year…

…2009.

For the last 357 days, I have thankfully enjoyed the greatest year of my life. I have said that before – but I mean it more than ever this time because the Good Lord keeps blessing me with one better year after another. Sure, there have been some years (2006-2007) that were years I would like to forget – but 2009 was a year where He shined His light on me and truly made this a year I will always treasure – and never forget.

Here’s why:

•I have done so well at my job that my Annual Performance Review – which was given to me today – earned me a 4.6 rating out of 5 – and some wonderful comments from my awesome supervisor that included:, “Paul works well with others and is always willing to help anyone with anything. I feel he has shown great enthusiasm…He has developed good relationships with co-workers…Paul is always well spoken of with the people he works with.”
•I married my Julie. We had a wonderful wedding and she has proven so far to be a great wife and homemaker. There is no task big or small she won’t do and does them without question.
•We moved into a new place and saved close to $700 a month.
•I received a 2-Star [General] Note and my 4th Commander’s Coin for a job well done.
•I have traveled to Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Maryland and West Point for work.
•Julie and I went to Walt Disney World for the first time together and had a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time of pleasure.
•I was reunited with many old friends through MySpace and Facebook.

So while I can’t wait to open the presents that Julie and my new In-Laws have purchased for me tomorrow night and Christmas morning – I think – no offense to them – that they cannot top my greatest gift…

…the year we are about to leave behind.

Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this – and here is to a wonderful 2010 for everyone.