I’ll admit that I’m a NASCAR fan. I’ve been watching races for over 30 years. People say it’s boring watching cars drive in circles, but there’s something about the technical aspect and competition of the racing that intrigues me. It’s also amazing to watch how the drivers can handle the cars. Those guys have serious skills.

Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the playoff system that NASCAR used this year to determine its champion. I was never a big fan of the original Chase concept, but I tolerated it. The new playoff system has made it worse. Playoffs are not the way you crown a racing champion.

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Streaming music has went through some controversy during the first half of this month. It started when Taylor Swift pulled her latest album from Spotify, saying she didn’t want to participate in a “grand experiment” that didn’t properly value her music. She went on to further clarify her position in an interview with Time magazine. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek responded in a blog post saying that artists are being paid fairly by the service. My daughter also chimed in with an interesting college student point of view.

Both sides have valid arguments, but in my opinion, streaming is here to stay. I find it a great way to discover new music and rediscover old favorites. I also use it as a modern day version of the radio, often putting playlists or “stations” on in the background while working or doing things around the house. I have a streaming station on as I write this blog post.

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It was always good to do a little reflection as you complete another year of life.

Personally, this past year has been great. The family and I have been healthy. My oldest completed her first year at school away from home successfully. My son graduated high school and went away to school. To be honest, any problems I’ve dealt have been of the “first world” variety. To say I’ve been incredibly blessed is an understatement.

On the business side, it’s been a little bit of a rough one. I was pretty excited coming into 2014. We had generated momentum over 2013 that I wanted to build upon through 2015. It felt like we had finally turned the corner, and I was expecting a big year. It all changed in mid-January.

Our biggest customer decided to move in a different direction without giving notice. I was frustrated. I was disappointed. I was upset. I wasn’t sure the business that I invested eight years building would survive. Out of that tough situation I learned a valuable lesson, the importance of friends.

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I love holidays. I really do. They’re all great – Christmas, Thanksgiving, The Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day. By far, my favorite time of the year is between Thanksgiving and Christmas, better known to most as Advent. I love the anticipation, excitement, commotion, lights, and music – yes, the music. I’ll admit to being a Christmas music junkie. I’m sure that I drive my family crazy with the incessant playing of Christmas music in the car throughout December.

However, there’s one holiday that I could do without. I often wonder why it is even considered a holiday. It’s Halloween.

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