This past weekend was a big one for me, a die hard Edmonton Oilers fan. One of my most beloved players, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, played in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first player in franchise history to play all 1,000 with the Oilers. 

Nuge was drafted first overall in 2011 and has been through the decade of darkness, and has now carved out a career for himself on a Stanley Cup contender. It was amazing knowing I grew up with this guy. He’s only three years my junior. 

I got to watch the game with my son. I put on my Nugent-Hopkins jersey, and he wore his first Oilers jersey, a gift from his great Uncle Greg and Aunt Diane. 

My son Theo is infatuated with watching hockey at a young age. I know it’s because of the bright white ice contrasting with the colours of the jersey, but I’ll stretch the truth out a bit for my benefit. 

He’s only four months old, but I feel like he’s ALREADY four months old. 

Every milestone I get with him is an honour. When I sing to him and he smiles. When he kinda tries to sing along. When I kiss his feet and he giggles. He’s getting stronger and it feels like he’ll be walking and talking in the blink of an eye. 

I had to remember to stop and be grateful for all these milestones I get with him. 

Life has been better lately because I am really practicing what I preach. 

My fiancee and I discussed our finances the other day, and instead of being upset with our taxes going up, we had this realization. I am going to make a pretty decent dollar or two this upcoming weekend playing music. How lucky am I that I GET TO do something I love and get paid to do it. Wildhorse Saloon, January 23rd and 24th, 7pm!

Practice gratitude every day y’all.

Sometimes the weight of the world is on my shoulders, but I know how lucky I am. I’m not settled with where I am and I strive to create a better life for myself, but I’m content.

In the big picture, where I am today, I would’ve killed for 10 years ago. For my own perspective, here’s what was going on in my life 10 years ago:

• In a toxic relationship
• Drinking way too much
• No career aspirations
• DJing coupled with playing live music to get paid
• Severely depressed
• Driving a beat-up pickup truck
• The Edmonton Oilers hadn’t made the playoffs in 10 years
• Smoking a half a pack of cigarettes every day
• Weighed 225 pounds
• Childless

It’s just insane to look at all those things listed right now. In only ten years I went from that to this:

• Engaged to the true love of my life
• Sober 526 days
• Competent day job, aspiring to become an author and self-development coach
• Co-lead singer in a cover band, solo acoustic act
• More good days than bad days
• Driving a 2023 Dodge Ram
• Edmonton Oilers are perreniel cup contenders
• Smoke free for 115 days
• Healthy 194 pounds
• Father to beautiful baby boy and stepfather to amazing teenage girl

It’s a good reminder that if the mountain you’re looking at feels too tall to climb, you can do it. You can’t climb a mountain with one step. It takes millions. I’m ready for my next Everest. Can’t wait to look back on this article when I’m 45.

Nobody is gonna save you, so you might as well put the boots on and start making memories y’all!

NOTE: I will no longer be using the date as the title for the #WeeklyWednesdayColumn for SEO purposes.