C-Mac's Most Influential People of 2005

With 2006 just days away, I am staying with the "reflection" theme this week here at the beach. For the last month or so, we've all seen TV shows, newspaper articles, and magazine covers featuring the "top people" of the year in various categories. They have ranged from actor, to athlete, to musician, to most fascinating. Let's be real. Although these people were in the news an awful lot, they weren't very influential on our daily lives. It's the people we love, we hate, and the ones we come in contact with daily that influence our day to day lives.

I've always prided myself on making a difference in the lives of those I've come in contact with. Sure, I am not perfect and I have disappointed or let a few people down along the way, you can't please everyone. But, for the most part, I've always done my best to be a positive influence and leave a lasting impression on those I care about.

Today, I'd like to list some people that personally had an influence on my life in 2005, whether it be for the good or for the bad. Some of these people offered me great advice in 2005, some of them captured my heart, some of them taught me something new, and some of them made me laugh. So here we go with my 2005 list of influential people. (in no particular order)

The Sugar V- When I think of 2005, I can't help but think of all the side splitting laughs he and I had. We can make a joke about almost anything. But more than that, Sugar V and I had some great conversations in 2005. His wisdom and advice was always a bright light on a dark day and helped me out with a lot. Most friends give you a sugar coated version of things or tell you what you want to hear, Sugar V tells it straight up, and for that, I am a better person. Sure he is a nozzle and always uses the "Uncle" excuse as to why he can't hang out, but he's always there when you need him. 2005 wouldn't have been the same without him.

Linda- Through C-Mac/L-Ha II and long after, I have always had a great deal of respect for Linda. She is one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. There are times we laughed so hard we cried. Our chats about our wacky families always make me cackle. Our "deeper" conversations always make me think. She's been one of the few people in 2005 that I could really open up to without fear of judgment. Although our relationship gets topsy turvy at times, she is loved and I am grateful for the times we shared and hopefully will continue to share.

"Hilda"- What to say about Hilda. Genuine. One of the most down to earth and genuine people I have ever known. Our chats go from the wacky, to the serious, to the obscure in the blink of an eye. From 5.5 hour phone conversations, to IM chats, to silly emails, I've really valued our friendship in 2005. She has a way of making me see things from different perspectives and in her own little way has taught me a lot this year. I am forever grateful.

Jen L.- Although we only scratched the surface this year in really getting to know each other, I learned some valuable lessons from her. A great person, with a great mind. Hopefully there is more to come.

Rich- A friend for many years. I rang in the new year last year with him and a few other friends. I couldn't think of a better person to start a new year off with. His stories are priceless, from "The Family Feast" to "The Smelly Finger" to "The Jersey Shore" I never get tired of those stories. Although I don't see him as much as I'd like, the times we do get together are always a blast. I look forward to another year of a great friendship.

K-Fo- An interesting relationship to say the least. Someone I truly care about despite experiencing quite a bit of pain on her behalf early in 2005. We all have a person or two in life that hurt us so bad yet we still want to see them happy. This is one of them for me. I guess I'd do it all over again, even knowing the outcome. Everything I went through with her and shortly after made me stronger and better person. I hope she reads this and belts out that really loud laugh she is famous for. :) Oh, and send Absterrrr my best.

Johnny B- Although he lives in "The Sunshine State" he has been a pal for about five years. He is a great guy and our talks about every day life are something I always look forward to. His kids are lucky to have a dad like him, he is truly one of the "good guys." Let's root for his Tampa Bay Bucs in the NFC, that is of course, once the Giants are eliminated which won't be anytime soon.

Tatiana- Although she drives me insane on a daily basis, I know her heart is in the right place. She's been there for me the last 3 years through the darkest of days and I am forever grateful. 2005 was no exception. If I don't kill her by the end of 2006, perhaps I'll include her again on next year's list. :)

Lauren B- A friend for about six years and a former co-worker, her daily IM chats crack me up. Our sense of humor is so alike, it's scary. I appreciate her continued friendship.

"Supplymadam"- A daily commenter here on "Bored at the Beach" and a good friend off the blog. Although she is truly brainwashed by Fox News Channel, I still love her to death. Thanks for the great professional relationship and friendship. Our talks always crack me up. I am still patiently waiting for your blog "Dawn of the Dead."

My Blog Friends- What an influence you have all been! Thanks for your daily visits and giving me the inspiration to write 600 posts in less than a year's time. It all started with Molly and Bridget Unnel, and just took off from there. You have all made me see the world from so many perspectives and I have learned so much from all of you. This has truly been an amazing experience.

The Pals I was "Lost in the Forest" with- I am out suckers!!!!!!! From C-Diddy, to Hu Flung Pu, to Freakyvirgin, and all the other clowns like DarianJ, Cain24, and Smitten7...we had a blast. My office was truly the Seinfeld Coffee Shop, a shrink's office, a boxing ring, the set of "The Tonight Show", a pool hall, a candy shop, a dance club, and a padded cell all rolled into one. Although I am glad I am "out of the Forest" I miss walking the paths with all of you.

Well, there you have it. Those are the cast of characters that played a huge role in 2005 for me. And yes, many of them are just that, characters. There are so many more people I could have mentioned, but these folks are really the cast of 2005. Take a bow folks!!!!

Who is on your list for 2005?