First Post of 2010 - Thank YOU

Throughout my life I’ve had (and continue to have) the fortune of being surrounded by amazing people who constantly provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. I truly believe that whatever success I have is thanks to the prayers and positive thoughts/energy of all these amazing individuals. I’m so grateful for this and I realize I don’t thank some people as often as I should, so I want to do it in writing. Most of the names I’m writing in are chronological, not in order of importance!

There are so many people that have had a positive impact on my life (great or small) that I don’t know where to start, but I would like to thank my family and all my close friends. I really appreciate having you all in my life!!

Family

My father has always been an amazing role model for me to look up to as a good citizen, hard worker, Christian, husband and father. My mother has always been the “brains of the operation”, so to speak and I’ve always appreciated her organization and efficiency. My little sisters help keep me in line – Liza usually with my patience (or lack thereof) and Joanna with my kindness (or lack thereof AT TIMES). I try to set some sort of example for them although I’m not sure I’m doing a great job! My grandparents are really great always providing old school wisdom and constant encouragement as well. I’m thankful for my aunt Heshani who’s also very good at putting me in my place, but I know it’s for my own good! My uncle Mike who’s always interested in and encouraging my entrepreneurial pursuits and my cousin Johann who’s been like the big brother I never had over the years!

Mentors/Advisors (also Friends)

I’ve had so much great life and career advice over the years by such intelligent, successful (and generally good looking! ) people. Here are a few names that come to mind are Gerry W., Meral B., Mark H., Amanda H., Leslie P., Angie O., Heather H., Vince S., Hooman T, Hans L., Tara W.

Friends

Again, faaaar too many amazing people to count and I know I’m going to forgot some names, but here are a few that come to mind:

Friends that go way back (> 15 years): Daniel W., Kuldeep S., Fabrizio C., Matt E., Marie T., Cyara P., Jenelle J., Rekha R., Eli M.

Good friends: Olivier T., Amit S., Patrick S., Hugo R., Trevor Y., Jen S., Jaimie B., Taryn B., Gen G., Gen M., Hicham R., Yifeng S., Sandra H., Ted Z., Emily R., L-E S., Dustin C., Manuel V., Steven B., Elissa M., Jen A., Vanessa D., Matt F., Dom B., Phil D., Roshni D., Caster A., Gio M., Elizabeth R., Robin M., Bernhard A., PY G., Tony M., MH C.

Amazing people I’ve met during my travels and/or projects: Eben A., Krishan K, Hannah W., Luke H., Samali K, Tammy C., Selma P., Lina B., Mireille M., Jen M., Jenn S., Josh G., Dash, Tom G., Bonnie A., Anna C., Geetika C., Craig C., Moose A., Monica P., Jaclyn P., Jen and Court, Paul R., Tika R., Salome L., Amanda F., Pascale L., Munir D., Chantal J.

Church crowd: Jacob P., Dwayne L., Rex V., Eden V., Gioia E., Steph J., Erica P., Jack K., Arthur M., Michael M.

Over the years, all of you have had a positive impact on my life in some way or the other- whether it was good advice, listening to me vent or sometimes just a conversation that made me think. I really appreciate it!

A lot of people have high expectations and while sometimes I feel like I’m letting them down, I’m very excited about this year! It’s only been 2 weeks, but they’ve been pretty intense and a lot of good things are happening!

I truly hope I’ll have the opportunity to enrich your lives as much as you’ve enriched mine! Looking forward to an amazing 2010 for all of us!!