I had the intention to write more for this blog this year, but obviously, I didn’t. I didn’t even really come up with any topics…so it looks like it’s another year-end reflection for this year.
I still didn’t keep a list of the positive, and good things that happened to or for me over the year. I did often write out details on what I want to come to pass, though. A good amount has come through, while others are still in the works. Granted, I didn’t just write these out and leave it; I put in the footwork too.
I’ve faced frustrations and impatience, despite knowing things happen for a reason; and they happen when they’re supposed to…at the right time and right place. Sometimes that desire can drive you up the wall when other factors are taking things for another spin. Although goals have moved a long quite well, I’m still not where I exactly want to be, but I’m thank God I’m not where I used to be.
My wife’s grandmother and mother died within a few months of each other. With my wife’s two children living in Windsor, Ontario and this loss being hard on all of them, we decided to move to the Metro Detroit, Michigan area. We are now able to see them more often as the travel is under an hour as compared to twelve hours from Massachusetts. I miss the view of a lake from home, but one day I’ll have an even better one.
View of the Lake behind where I lived in Worcester, MA.
I left behind the wrestling promotions I was refereeing for in New England on good terms. It’s not hard to do, but I’m glad I can say that I did. June was my last month in the area, and I got to leave in ways I didn’t 
think I would. After nearly fourteen years, and going with two months notice it felt weird going through it. I honestly never thought I’d end leaving the New England region until I couldn’t physically referee anymore, or if by some cha
nce I got an exclusive contract to a major wrestling company. Thank you once again to the promoters and bookers who gave me the privilege to be a part of your team. I miss it, and one day I’ll be back for visits, and would love to fill in if the spot is open.
Creepy Old Guy offering treats in Frankenmuth, MI.
Moving into Michigan brought on some culture shock. I don’t know how to be specific but things are different. I already knew Truth Martini and put in some practice time with his facility and got to know other talents in the area and begin working with events as well.
Ready for Ring of Honor, Final Battle ’15. Credit: Scott Finkelstein.
I spent more time this year focused on advancing with Ring of Honor, and was able to referee twelve events with them. A couple of which took place at the 2300 Arena (FKA the ECW Arena) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Toronto gets upset when their candy machines are broken by patrons.
One of them took me to Toronto, Ontario Canada making that my first event in Canada. Of course now living in the Midwest, I’ve had my run of first Midwest state events. My older brother lives in the Dayton, Ohio area, and was able to bring his oldest son out for his first ever live event, and now they watch the Ring of Honor TV program every week.
It’s crazy how you can find yourself coming full circle with circumstances you’ve faced several years prior. Eight years ago I was with a woman who survived lung cancer, but it returned. While we weren’t together long, November 2007 was when she pushed me away without saying what was going on, and told me “you need to go pro with this wrestling, like a full time gig with WWE”. She lived around Madison, Wisconsin, and just this past November I found working a Ring of Honor event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With Hopkins Minnesota being the next day I traveled through Madison, Wisconsin. All within the same time frame she told me I had to go pro, eight years later. I can’t say I’m exactly at the point she said I need to be, but reflecting over the past year and half, from even just having a WWE Tryout at their performance center, and now this year working more with Ring of Honor, I’d have to say things have come full circle from that…and it feels great. Darlene passed away a few months after telling me to go for it all, she will always be remembered, but my life has truly moved on from that point in time.
With 2015 closing up, it’s really been the year of transitions, and moving on. It hasn’t been easy. That’s life though. Everyone faces some form of these at some point, and you just have to make it work. In the end, even with the heavier challenges, tests, and frustrations…this year was even better than last year. Now to strive for do more in 2016, and see where the wind takes this journey.
Happy New Year to all!
