HAPPY BIRTHDAY "COUSIN" KRIS!

This is the last day of the year...let's look back on 2003's highlights. They are in NO particular order...just each one is poppin in my head.

1. became an uncle and ninong
2. quit islands
3. visited Hawaii for the first time
4. lost a best friend
5. found a boyfriend who later became a close friend instead
6. made some mistakes with boys
7. finished paying off my civic
8. turned 21
9. learned Texas Hold 'em
10. came out to my parents and then the rest of the world
11. lost a king in my life
12. realized that I need to work harder in college
13. made many new friends in Joanna's debut
14. choreographed my first routine and it won first place
15. VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS
16. went to prom for the 6th time
17. tv tapings up the wazoo
18. went to the AMA's
19. made many new friends
20. found my purpose in life
and the list goes on and on...

Despite the somewhat sad ending, I think 2003 was the best year I've lived so far. I realized how blessed I am. I have friends and family who truly love me for who I am. I found love for the first time and experienced heartbreak for the first time. I never thought that life would improve this much after stepping out of that closet. I never thought that I would still be loved and accepted. I never thought that I would leave Islands. I finally started to spend more time with my brother and sisters. I finally got the time to be with my nephew.

I am eternally grateful for this past year. I did a lot of growing...and with it came growing pains. I feel that I am much more mature now than I ever was. I feel that I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

Thank you to everyone who has changed my life. Thank you to everyone who never left my side. Thank you for the life lessons, reality checks, and words of wisdom and comfort. Thank you to everyone...I wouldn't be the person I am now.

I apologize to those I hurt. I'm sorry for all the times I've been selfish and jaded. I'm sorry for not living up to my expectation. I'm sorry for not being there. I'm sorry for not being the best person I can be.

Goodbye 2003. You treated me well.