2008 saw a lot of bad times.  both first half and second half.  

The first half was ridden with medical problems, and issues with my MS.  The worst of my MS attacks so far that led to me being in wheel chair for a while, and then a cain from Feb - early August.  One never realizes how bad something is or how long it was, until you look back, and put it in writing.  WOW!  That was a good 6 months of the year in rehab.  But here is the amazing news, I had friends and family there to help me thru it.

The second half was ridden with financial issues, many did not see the problems until November, but yeah...  It started to pile on, from the outside and the personal side, especially after the trip to US.  But here is where I constantly feel that human nature, and human kind is blessed with the ability to suck it up, and deal with it, and then build a bridge and get over it.

and looking back over the year...  As much as you look at those two main points, you count your blessings that it is all just life.  And wow, with all the fights you have had in the past, and no matter how bad we have had it, we will overcome.  Many friends and colleagues are out of jobs, in financial problems that I cannot imagine being in, and after all is said and done, I look at my problems besides the medical and again say wow.  Thank you.  Thank you to all the people I have met over the last year, and the friendships that I have made, and the people who have touched my heart, and mind, and pushed me to finally accept my life.  

The people I even worked with in office positions, who although it took me a year to realize I am not interested in programming like I once was, the technical side of making IT work is just not a part of my interest.

The 501st legion.

The cast and crew of every single production I have been in, in 2008!  We ROCKED!

All my college friends, from UO to Waseda that have kept in touch.

Now for the little people.

A.K. for...  wait...  you ditch me all the time...

Alec H.  Giving me something to look forward to in 2009.

Andrew W. for giving me the opportunity at a leading role for a play, even though it was 3 weeks prior to opening night!  

Anthony (ant). For looking over the computer monitors, and begging the questions, and giving sound solid advice...  MARK WORDS!

Asami I.  For sitting next to me at the Starbucks and allowing me to believe once and for all my world IS that small.

Bonnie B. for making my conventions so dang awsome!

Carey S. For just listening to my ramblings.

Carlo R, For being you, and a great roommate for 3 months, and an acceptionaly good hangout buddy.

Charley L.  For helping me thru some difficult times.

Chris P. for always thinking of me for your plays and asking me to be a part of the cast...  No matter how small the parts are.

Chris W.  Being a great inspiration to do what I do now.

Cuz Hassan, for doing what we do best!   to WOW people!

Cuz Maj, for keeping with it...  have faith bro, it will happen.

Cuz Mo, For keeping me cheered up when I was down.

Don L.  For keeping me in check, and being there.

Faisal A-Q. For being the first REAL! Star Wars fan I know outside of my family in Saudi!

Felix R.  Get me a movie dangit! okok, TV would be good!

Francess S. and Karren S For walking into that Starbucks that one fated night and offering me the role in Guards! Guards!

Goro I.  For teaching me the value of "poop happens", "take it easy" and "NO"

Haleem E.  For showing me that Jeddah really is DIFFERENT!

Heidi, and Marina.  For flying down to San Diego and hanging out with me at the big PARTAY!

Jan D. For not killing me... yet...

Jeddah Legends.  You guys prove it time and again that our people aint crazy, we talented people.

Josh J. For being an awesome roomie, and for hanging out!

Johnathan S.  A great mentor for Improv comedy.

Justin B.  For helping me to look GOOooood!

Kano Sensei, my PHD supervisor.  For asking the correct questions.

Med for giving me more projects to work on.

Mo Jax, for taking me to that chicken place.  WOW!

Natsuki Y.  My one and only WINGMAN!

Rachel W.  For just being there, and listening to me pour it out.

Reem S.  For being an awesome sista in need.

Sandy H.  For putting me in a diaper.

Steve S.  and Mary F.  For being a friend and helping me be a part of my dream world... err Universe.

Stageboy Jack.  Means the world to me that you listen and you help.

Tanya A. For engraving the fact that I am an actor who could -- eh -- sing.

Tom C.  For being one hell of a mentor, and getting me into the audition for Baby Bear!

Vincent D. For just being you, and a great friend for visiting me every day after class.

The JB Crew:  John, Lewis, Dana, Andy, Zak, Arturo, Danielle, Daniel...

...and all the people that I may have not listed, you are so a part of my life, and you individually know it.  Thanks for a great 2008, and hope to see you in 2009!  THANK GOD FOR FACEBOOK!

Finally thank you to the rest of my family who stuck with me during thick and thin, and allowed me realize that this is what I need to do.  Be happy, stay healthy and follow my dreams.  I am one lucky man, and you all helped me see that.  Thanks, the New Year ends with good things.  People come and people go, but at the end of the day, everyone matters, and I learn to appreciate that.

What better way to start 2009 though, than for a the OREGON DUCKS to win the HOLIDAY BOWL!  Niiiiice!