Dear Friends:

The past 6 months have proven to be unfamiliar territory for me.  After celebrating 14 years in California and 10 years at Disney, I find myself emotionally drained from unexpected family obligations and professionally unsatisfied losing traction in my current role at work.

I have admittedly been fortunate to experience a consistent period of time which has allowed me to enjoy my independence and orient my career, so the sudden division of focus and energy has been very humbling.

Given the relatively uncertain times, I am eager to announce that I adopted a dog.  Levi is a one-year-old miniature poodle mix from the Burbank Animal Shelter.  Although I have never been a 4-legged pet owner or had the best impression of how they could benefit the household, I am so glad to have learned they can make excellent family members and adapt to your personal lifestyle.

In only 3 months, Levi has immediately become a loyal and affectionate companion - providing routine and regiment that I haven't found personally or professionally this year.  I may have rescued him, but he has certainly rewarded me with an immeasurable degree of support and engagement I never could have predicted.

Wedding celebrations in Temecula, Huntington Beach, Utah, Hillcrest, and Hollywood were all refreshing moments with loved ones, along with family visits to San Diego and San Francisco.  When small pockets of time did allow for personal indulgence, I camped in Sequoia National Park, Point Mugu State Park, and booed the Chargers at my first ever Philadelphia Eagles game in LA.

While I may have found a difficult patch, I do know that sharing this blog for the past 10 years has been a gratifying outlet.  I really appreciate the comments, updates, responses, and simple notion knowing these 300 words find a place in your day.

Woof,
-Mike