Partly because a few other bloggers I respect have already posted their 2012 posts.  Mostly because I was getting ready to post a 2013 post tomorrow, lets look back on the year.

Oh, and also because WordPress emailed all bloggers today and sent them their year end stats.  Very interesting numbers.  Back to the bloggers I respect, many of them also use WordPress and posted their stats today.  I’m higher than some and lower than others, but what surprised me was their numbers.  Thousands and thousands of hits from men and women that I know work hard to get something of interest out there as often as possible.  Much love and respect to all of you.

Alright, so lets look at 2012.

I began the year a different person than I ended it as.  For a fair number of reasons.  Lets look at highlights and not low but we’ll say more difficult moments.

Sold my first bit of writing this year.  Sure, there are many thousands of posts on this site.  And I have written for other sites as well.  But nothing paid directly.  (There has been money from advertising but that’s a different beast.)  I wrote for and was paid by Topless Robot this year and I burst into tears when Rob accepted it.  While I was at college one of my professors told me that you’re not a real writer until someone pays you.  This stays in my head every day.  I loved that feeling and I really need to chase it harder.  (More on that in the 2013 post.)

Got married!  This was going to be chronological but screw it.  It is, so far, the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.  Not once was there any doubt or second thoughts.  No, its the logistics of planning such a day.  I wrote about it for months on here so long time readers don’t need to be put through it all over again.  Thankfully, both families sacrificed a lot to give us one of the greatest days in our lives, and really I think in the families history as well.  I never felt closer to my family or friends.  There are things in life that I now understand a bit better.  I have a different relationship with certain family members now.  Its like getting married was akin to unlocking an achievement.  I am now on a new level and new benefits and challenges await me.

Lost my Grandfather.  About a month after the wedding my Grandfather died.  He had been sick for awhile, but still, death is never easy.  Now every family picture, every conversation from the wedding week meant that much more.  The wedding was already huge, but now there is an extra level of meaning to the day.  I miss my Grandparents every day and I’m sure its even harder on their children.

To go back to something positive, I want to thank all of the people who have helped me feel like I’m part of a community.  Whether its the Dork Horde or the League of Extraordinary Bloggers.  Or the people who were good enough and nice enough to talk to me this year.  Creators that I look up to humbled themselves this year and not only talked to me, but helped me as well.  I would like to mention every one by name but wont for fear of missing someone.  Each and every person has made this page and me better.

Separate thanks though for those who put “Team Hellions” or “Kevin Hellions” in their books.  Howard, Stuart and Charles.  It was truly a dream come true.  Hopefully this continues in the new year.  Its pretty great to have something like that to show your family.

India, if we’re ever in the same place at the same time lets get a drink!

Oliver, keep it up.  In the super hero world we live in, you are the strongest one.

Finally to the Team.  Rob and Solace are here every day with me and I could not have done any of this without them.  Everyone who has ever contributed in any way will be loved and have a home here for as long as it lasts.

We had a real good year here.  Some of my dreams for this site came true.  One dream coming true means there must be a new more difficult dream to take its place.  Lets wait and see what 2013 will bring.

Thank you all for everything.