Since the dawn of modern time, the twenty-first of June has marked the longest day of the year. This year – it also marks the first day of Summer – pretty ironic that the first day of Summer fall on the June 21st of the first year of the 21st Century – and the best year of my life.

To me, Summer is the time of year when you can have the best possible time. During other seasons, you are restricted to boundaries brought on by freezing cold temperatures and a very early sunset. In the summertime – the sun stays up until nine o’ clock – and the temperatures stay well above freezing – so your activities are limited only by your desire to have fun.

I am very happy to say that the Summer of 2001 has been the best Summer I have ever had – and it has not even officially been Summer for twenty-four hours yet. But to me – it has been summer since 12:00:00am on January 1, 2001 – because since the ball dropped one hundred and seventy two days ago, and the first few seconds of the 21st Century became history – this year has marked an improvement for me professionally, personally – and emotionally.

Professionally, over the last six months – I have become more efficient in the jobs that I perform. My job at the Department of Buildings seems almost effortless. My Ring Fever tapings seem less like work and more fun – and The South Park Booster Club Digest has become something that once took me two hours – but now something I can do in a half and hour. So while they are still actually jobs, they have each in their own way become easier and take less time to do – thus becoming a lot more fun to do.

Personally, I have struck gold. They say it takes years of practice before you get it right. If that is the case – then my training is over. Christine has become the towel I wrap around myself after a shower, the warm pair of jeans I put on right out of the dryer – and the pillow I lay my head on at night. Having her in my life has made this year the best year of my life more then anything else I have experienced so far – and because of her unconditional, honest and true love – she is also responsible for my emotional improvements.

In my past, the ladies I were with sometimes criticized the things I did – or even put them down. Sure they were tolerant – but there is a distinct difference between tolerant and supportive. Christine is the latter. From half day long shoots for Ring Fever to sitting next to me as I type on this keyboard incessantly for hours – to hearing me talk endlessly to reporters on the phone – she is not only supportive – she is curious, interested – and most of all – proud of me.

By being this way, Christine has made me gain a tremendous amount of confidence in myself that has enabled me to start actually enjoying and appreciating the things I have accomplished – and start removing the unwanted things in my life. I owe her big time for that.

My point is that if the first two seasons of 2001 have brought me this much happiness, success – and love – what does my favorite season – and the rest of the year have in store for me?

Hopefully more of the same.