Farewell 2009, Hello 2010

Although I can hardly believe that 2009 is already being ushered toward an ice floe, being quietly instructed with every snow-filled step to smile and wave as it’s set adrift toward a harsh Antarctic sunset – this, after all, what’s best for the community – the noisemakers and 2010 hats I’m seeing on sale certainly don’t lie.  And I have to admit that I’m more than a little sad to see my old friend 2009 being put out to pasture.  It has, after all, proven to be a banner year.  It marked the completion of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which was my final project with Sommers Company and my first credit as a Post Graphics Supervisor, and saw my entry into the world of freelance.  Creating, designing and overseeing Stephen Sommers’ official homepage – StephenSommers.com – was the first gig for both myself and Land Elsewhere, which is my own little piece of the small business dream.  Using the skills I gained on the job, I was then able to redesign this site as well as my company’s official page, which is set to go live at LandElsewhere.com in early 2010.

It was also a hugely productive year for writing and directing, with LXD – a.k.a. The Legion Of Extraordinary Dancers – providing opportunities for both.  I directed four episodes and wrote a handful more for the series, which promises to be one of the most exciting events ever to hit the web.  Land Elsewhere also gave me the chance to create some interesting web content, with my series of G.I. Joe mini-documentaries being featured through StephenSommers.com.  The company also helped BitterLawyer.com launch a weekly web series and has some very fun behind the scenes content on the horizon for 2010.

Life experience was also big for 2009, especially since my lifelong dream of becoming an action figure finally came true.  If you don’t believe me, go check your local Toys R Us – the Aqua Viper Officer, a G.I. Joe action figure based on my likeness, is on shelves now.  A few weeks in Italy, Croatia, Turkey and Greece helped me get a worldly perspective, which I figure is pretty important now that my December birthday has brought me to the other side of 30.  So far the only difference I’ve noticed as a result of my newly distinguished age is a 30% increase in health insurance rates… but I’m pretty sure some perks will make themselves known sooner or later.

Looking back, I guess all I can really hope for is that 2010 is as happy and productive as 2009.  And I wish you and yours all the same – have a healthy, joyous and incredible new year!