2015 Confession time....

[GerardoG]

Well my TRF family, as I write this, it is 11:20pm here on December 30th, which means it is already December 31 on the east US and overseas...the last day of the year. As tomorrow (for me) will be a hectic and long day; I am sitting with glass of Malbec writing to all of you.

This year has been a unique roller coaster...in many ways. As some of you know, I have been through quite a bit (ok, a LOT), many of which have taken a big toll on several aspects of my life. A crazy year, indeed, but I am very happy to say, I have made it through all.

On the gray side, many personal situations brought despair, tears, anxiousness (some might remember my panic attack earlier this year) and a beautiful stress-related weight loss (writing with irony. This is NOT the way to loose weight).

But as I sit and re-read many of the threads posted during this year, I am obligated to make a confession to everyone here. On December 1st, after a very nice conversation with Ken (Invictus Maneo), I decided to take full throttle and pro-active position in my passion and hobby: TRF. I must admit that I went to a lot of work (not as much as I would have wanted to as tremendous issues got in the way towards the last quarter of the year), and had the UNIQUE pleasure of meeting, and in most cases sharing drinks and meals with gwozhog, josephvman, Skip Greenwade, kcmo, DJHiram, 520Matt, samsam, Case 61, theVTCguy, jjnd08, theloxmyth, Runnin' Rebel, returntorolex, Invictus Maneo, Danny83, Watchvirgin, One Ping Only and Mikee. To all of you (I hope I am not missing anyone), each one individually, GRACIAS from the bottom of my heart. Your company and words have helped me smile and laugh in good and not so good times. THANK YOU for that. Some of you have become personal friends, with whom I enjoy talking or writing often. GRACIAS to you as well, for sharing, listening and talking. Your friendship is something I cherish and will care for the rest of my life.

This crazy trip called life had me in places such as Houston, Dallas, Miami, Tucson, Pittsburgh, Mexico City and many others; and also gave me the opportunity to fulfill a personal dream: putting together the first International GTG (as I write this, the thread is 17 pages long with 509 replies), and even better, to keep the movement going and work towards the 2016 GTG. To everyone who participated this year, and those confirmed for '16, you can count with all my effort to provide great times.

2015 also arrived with boxes of surprises, from unique individuals such as
Danny 83, Gaijin, Runnin' Rebel, DJHiram, Dan Pierce and TheRolexKingofLV whose actions have been received with warmth. Thank you all!

I also have to mention the Around the World letter, a unique movement that is fun and exciting (even though people at the restaurant found odd my toast to a UK post stamp!); this is something that, IMHO, all TRFers should participate. Bravo, MonBK for this! TRF members I have had the opportunity to call...far too many to remember! Thank you all for your time!!!! And for my avatar picture, Gracias Jocke!!!!

In the end, and even with unique and terrible issues, 2015 has had a very positive balance. I am able to write this, with a glass of wine; my loved ones are healthy and safe and my TRF family, has transcended to my personal life. I raise my glass to that.

TRF: Thank you once again, for an incredible 2015, I am looking forward, anxiously, to 2016.

In words of Robbin Williams, after Ben Stiller told him "I have no idea what I'm gonna do tomorrow..." (Night at the Museum)

RW-"How exciting!"

Here is to an EXCITING 2016.

[Kingair]

Nice words G !

Take care my friend

[Danny83]

[BNA/LION]

- -

Very positive and reflective recap/confession of your 2015. Cheers to you and your family for a Happy, Healthy 2016 filled with Peace, Love and Success! I did not include excellent food, drinks and cigars as they are a given for you.

See you in Vegas!

[TheRolexKingofLV]

GG you are a true gentleman in every sense of the word, as well as an educator to many of us here on TRF on many different facets. I raise a glass and toast in your honor, as I am proud to call you a friend.

[Abdullah71601]

Your posts are always quite positive and an absolute pleasure to read. And, you always reply generously to those who respond, which is an exhibition of the finest of manners IMHO. You are one of the reasons I enjoy visiting TRF so often.

Best wishes for a great 2016 Gerardo.

[SearChart]

I always love reading your (food) posts, here's to a less stressful and fantastic New Year!

[time2see]

Very nice words indeed. Always looking forward to reading your posts!
Wishing you the best for 2016.

[WRwatchATL]

[brandrea]

Gerardo, it is all of us here at TRF that should be thanking YOU! Your contributions to this forum are many and they are valuable in so many ways.

A man who can share with others in his trials and tribulations is truly one who understands the importance of friendship.

Life is like driving on a narrow road with a deep ditch on either side. Always look ahead my friend.

I have a feeling 2016 will be the best year yet

[rootbeer7]

Happy and healthy one to you and yours

[Invictus Maneo]

What a thoughtful, reflective, honest and forthcoming post my friend! It was a true pleasure meeting you and enjoying some food, drinks and watches together!

Gerardo, YOU put so much into TRF and YOU are a huge reason that many of us come here. YOU, are the true ambassador of TRF and you have the miles to prove it! The way you let us into your life with all the wonderful things you do (eat) is a true gift. I enjoy going on your business trips with you and learning about food/wine/cigars and life from you.

Here's to an awesome 2016 to you and all our TRF brethren! What a wonderful place this is!

[BBL]

Hi Gerardo. Happy New Year to you and yours!

I borrowed this... I think it is perfect for the sentiments you have expressed:

"Keep the smile, Leave the tear, Hold the laugh, Leave the pain, Think of joy, Forget the fear. Be joyous, cause its a New Year."

[JohnAndrew]

Cheers and a very Happy New Years to you and your family!

[Rock]

Cheers to you Gerado, when I read your post I realise that TRF is a special place because of the special people we have here.

[mtrunner]

Happy New Year to you! Great post.

[THC]

Happy New Year Gerardo, 2016 will be great for you

[Alcan]

Feliz Año Nuevo, Gerardo!

[nick c]

Happy new year G to you and your family and bravo on your great posts

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Invictus Maneo

What a thoughtful, reflective, honest and forthcoming post my friend! It was a true pleasure meeting you and enjoying some food, drinks and watches together!

Gerardo, YOU put so much into TRF and YOU are a huge reason that many of us come here. YOU, are the true ambassador of TRF and you have the miles to prove it! The way you let us into your life with all the wonderful things you do (eat) is a true gift. I enjoy going on your business trips with you and learning about food/wine/cigars and life from you.

Here's to an awesome 2016 to you and all our TRF brethren! What a wonderful place this is!

Excellent summation Ken!

Gerardo, you are reaping what you have sown here on TRF. Like anything worthwhile, you get out what you put in and you are extraordinarily generous!

I think when you bond with a group, it becomes second nature to find ways to gravitate towards your circle....continuously....constantly....and with genuine passion. 2016 will be a great year!!

Really looking forward to the camaraderie and indulgence at the 2016 TRF International GTG in Vegas!

[GarageBMW]

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. All the very best for 2016

[Dan Pierce]

All the very best to you and your family, Gerardo! Same to all the TRF family.
dP

[teqp]

All the best for a Happy New Year to you and yours in 2016! Like the others I always enjoy reading your posts, but more importantly seeing your photos of the food. Now rest and relax with your loved ones and enjoy the beginning of the new year!

[wantonebad]

[Floorguy]

Here's to you and yours "G"! Always enjoy reading your post's, and I consider you as one of the most respected members of TRF family's!

[Rockrolex]

Happy New Year, G. And may 2016 be the best one yet for you. That was a wonderful post you made, very heartfelt and honest.

[DECR]

Lo mejor para este 2016!!!

[GB-man]

I always enjoy your posts G and this one was no different. Hope you have a lovely New Years eve and coming year

[Rondineli]

Happy 2016 for you and yours Gerardo.

I had never heard of happy socks prior to your post herein. So I got myself and my son (19 yr old) for xmas and from his reaction he really like them. So, I for one, must say thank you for your contributions to this great forum.




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[Psmith]

Happy New Year G!