2023: A Year of Crazy Adventures and Important Milestones

What a whirlwind of a year it has been! The hard labor of love, the laughter, the tears - all shared with my vibrant life-loving son JJ, my cornerstone, Ann, and our merry band of family and friends. Ambling through life is seldom a smooth ride, but boy, in 2023, you were really a rollercoaster! Let me take you on our adventure of the past year, a wild ride from start to finish.

Moving Adventures

The year hit the ground running faster than a toddler on a sugar rush - we transitioned from our cosy apartment to a roomier one. Talk about an emotional and logistical marathon! It was necessary as our family tree was outgrowing its pot; you know, when you buy a small potted plant and wake up one day to find it's turned into a sequoia? Yep, that was us. The move wasn't without its hitches, but, like fitted sheets in a linen closet, we somehow managed to make everything fit. And here we are in our new hub of memories.

The Hunt for Tooth-fairies

In this homegrown sequel to Indiana Jones, our quest for a dentist capable of putting JJ 'into the long sleep' seemed more elusive than the Holy Grail. With JJ's dental health at stake, we faced challenge after challenge like dental hygiene warriors. Like I said... crazy, right? But we vowed not to back down, and I thank my lucky stars every day for that kind of never-back-down insanity running through our family veins.

Legal Hoops and JJ turns 18

Then came the eventful moment of JJ turning eighteen. Now, let me tell you, turning eighteen comes with its set of T&Cs no one warns you about. I found out I had to go to court, attempting to acquire guardianship over JJ. Imagine a circus fire-juggling act and throwing in a couple of rabid poodles into the mix - that's what the legal process felt like. Unfortunately, we weren't able to afford an attorney and ended up not securing the guardianship. Who knew adulthood had such a hefty price tag?

The Good, the Bad, and the Family

Of course, amidst the chaos and caffeinated hustle, there were moments of love and connection spent with our friends and family. These were the moments worth their weight in gold - laughter that healed, tears shared, and bonds galvanized. Reflecting back, there's a sort of nailed-it feeling that couldn't have been possible without my unwavering supportive wife Ann. This year was like a jigsaw puzzle - pieces of ups, downs, triumphs, and trials that somehow fit together to reveal a picture of resilience, growth, and love.

The Crazy Beautiful Road Ahead

As we look beyond the horizon, towards the uncharted territory of the future, there's a sense of anticipation. Let's face it, if we can survive a year like this, we can face almost anything. Ready to embrace new adventures and create a scrapbook of memories, because life, my friends, isn’t just about surviving the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

So hey, 2023 might have been an outlandishly challenging year, but it was also one hell of a ride and a testament to our strength. Bring on the new year and let the new adventures begin!

"Life may be crazy at times, but it is also beautiful and full of opportunities for growth and happiness"

Hold my wine glass! (err, make it grape juice this time, wink wink)

Note to self and to you, my dear reader:

• Embrace the unexpected. Life is too short for clichés.

• Find the balance. Diversity in language is as crucial as in life.

• Go for clarity and convention. They'll save you a lot of headaches.

So, my friends here's raising a toast to the wild ride that was 2023 and the uncharted journey ahead. Stay buckled up!

PS: I solemnly swear to cut down on the wine intake. Well, at least till the clock strikes midnight (laughs nervously).