In the new year

I have never felt the urgency to make a new year resolution until this year. The past 8 years has been one of challenges and trials that I wouldn't say I have fully overcome, but by the grace of God, we have overcome in part, though not completely, but well enough to live to tell the tale. In a glance the events that have shaped me this year are family and work among other events.

Family.

Josh is now 8. He has progressed so much from the day we felt he was different. Those early days were pure agony as I watch helplessly as SW went through the pain of a heartbroken mother while I hid behind the veil of my work. I was running - aimlessly running with no sense of direction. Instead of running to God, I was running away without knowing. All I wanted to do was run away and a hope for a more favorable outcome when I come back home every evening. I was detached. Jo-En's eczema and skin allergies did not help matters at all. Those years - learning about Josh's and Jo-En's condition- left us helpless.

I do not want to dwell into details about the trials we went through, but this year was a year of personal reformation; to claim back the years the locust had eaten; to bring restoration to my soul and allow God to breathe new life into our lives afresh and anew. 2015 will be a year to step up the reformation at home and at work to the next level. I want to address the resolution I have made for work right now.

This year was a good year. What is a good year? Did I earn more than I did the year before? Did I work on more high profile work than others? Did I claim a company from a fellow competitor that decided to use me instead of him? The answer to all of the above is a resounding 'No'. What made this year significant on the work front is what I learn from other location sound recordists. It is not about skill or any technical knowledge from work, but, very disappointingly, what I will never do as a professional.

There were two statements said to me that shocked me this year.

1) "Trade secret"

2) "Steal my rice bowl"

These two words were recklessly said to me directly and indirectly by other people. We all work in a very niche and extremely small and competitive market. I do not see my fellow soundmen as competitors but my peers and I know I do not have he right to impose my opinion on them, but even as I accept what they stand for, does not mean that I like it or approve of it.



"Those with defeat on their faces
are those that we must keep alive"

-Further Seems Forever