2025 was shit. But shit makes things grow. So here’s to growing in 2026.

I’ve learned to be less trusting, in a good way, of those around me. I’ve become a more mindful person, practicing discipline and calm (still failing more often than not) and positivity. Through all this, I’m becoming a better father, student, teacher, and man.

But through all this, I’ve grown. My relationships at home have grown so much since I’m there more and not coaching. While the new school isn’t my dream, it’s help me discover the teacher and leader that I am and can be.

We put my dog down after a lightning fast illness. In the midst of all this shit, not having him to come and sit with and comfort me is been so hard. He may have been riddled with anxiety, but perhaps it’s because of how much he relieved me of.

My dad had multiple health scares which led to him being rushed to the hospital. I still can’t truly put into words my fears, anxiety and terror of this time. But you never realize the impact and role someone plays in your life, until you have to think about the days when they won’t be able to.

You never realize how much of you identity is tied to where you work, until you do. I watched those I thought were friends disappear, becoming what they really were - workplace proximity associates.

I lost my job. Absolutedream job. The people, the work, the community, the students, every part of the job. It was the school and job I had always imagined. Then gone. Pulled out from under me.

It was such a good one. There was so much in there that just hit.

I’d also say that the new way the team plays, a Dax replacement isn’t as necessary as it was last year

“I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger is a beautiful apocalyptic book. It’s an amazing story about the our pursuit of life, and the love within it.

Rainy slowly wanders Lake Superior looking for those things that he has devastatingly lost.

“I’m always last to see the beauty I inhabit”

#booksky

Hard to judge much based on that field, but that was a decent performance. Ball movement in the midfield was good, backline was ok, and I loved the freedom Pulisic had. Plus, there was plenty of intensity. Can’t wait to see it on a legitimate field.