Cheers to 2012

December 31, 2011.

Another year has come and gone, and the older I get the faster they go. Fact! 2011 wasn't my best year, but as I look back I can't help but smile. I was dealt many bumps in the road and things could have certainly gone better, but such is life and you must take the good with the bad. The most important thing about fortune or misfortune is how you let it effect you, and I choose to stay positive through thick and thin. Although I faced many disappointments, I feel I learned more about myself and who I want to be this year than any other. I developed many solid relationships through business and pleasure that I hope to continue for many years to come. It wasn't all disappointment though, I did some really great and amazing things in the year 2011 and I'd like to share a little highlight recap of how it went, from my perspective.

I started out the year with a break-up. Which was probably one of the most positive things to happen to me. I knew it wasn't right from the get go, and was happy so see another Kim K wanna be walk in the opposite direction of me. My only thought is this, 'What WAS I thinking in the first place?'. Think with the head on your shoulders fellas, trust me.

I chose to switch camps at the beginning of the year as well. I joined forces with 4 oz fight club and Team Tooke MMA. I can't even begin to name all of the great people I've had the privilege to work with and become friends with between these two awesome Academies. But I can tell you, that Houston MMA is alive and very well represented by both schools. Some of the best of the best not only in their crafts, but in their quality as people.

In February 2011 I signed a multi fight contract with Bellator Fighting Championships. This was the biggest move of my career and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to compete in the Summer Series FW Tournament on Mtv2. I devoted every minute of my life to that Tournament from the time I knew about it, until the time I walked out of that cage in South Florida disappointed. It did not go my way, but that's MMA for you. Gotta keep your nose to the grind and improve yourself and your game every day. I can promise you this much, I have been working hard and Adam Schindler, the fighter, will be making waves in 2012.

With loss comes a list of emotions I'm not sure I have enough room on this page, or mind capacity to name. So in the aftermath I did what any logical, single 28 year old in emotional pain would do.... I spent 8 days in LAS VEGAS! I have a really great friend out there that put me up for free and we had one hell of a week. My brother's best friends actually were out there at the same time, so it got double crazy when we met up with some of the wildest Mountaineers from The Wood there's ever been. I spent WAY too much money, but came away with memories that I'll never forget and am SUPER surprised I actually remember. I won't tell details because as we all know 'What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas.....  except herpes, that shit'll come back with you' lol. But I'm sure you can use your imagination.

I let it all out in Vegas and came back ready to work. I had a fight lined up but I was injured and had to withdraw. With a string of unfortunate incidents I felt that my time in Houston was nearing an end. I love Houston MMA, it's a great place. But I needed a change. I had no idea where I was going to go, I had no idea what I was going to do. Luckily I have great people in my life and was given an opportunity in Austin to build from the ground up. It's a perfect fit for me right now and I've taken it and am running with it.

I have to say my favorite part of 2011 was without a doubt the 5 days I spent over Thanksgiving with my brother's family and my mother in Little Rock, Arkansas. I got to meet my nephew, Israel Schindler for the very first time and he instantly took the #1 spot as favorite little buddy. He and I really hit it off and I am so excited to see him grow. I am very proud of my family, especially my little brother. I always have been. One thing I plan on improving in my life in 2012 is to spend more time with my family. We have great distance between us but I vow to make more time for them in the upcoming year.

So, that was my 2011 in a nutshell. Which leads me to goals in 2012. I don't generally make New Years resolutions but I do always set personal goals for myself. This doesn't happen only at the new year but is an ongoing thing in my life.

-First and foremost to be kind to others and a positive role model.
-Deal with O.P.P. Only Positive People, there is no room for negativity in life
-Do my best in school(Yes, I'm back in college and taking 12 hrs this semester, woohoo!)
-Continue to grow as a fighter and as a person, develop my game and apply it on a world class level
-WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN, at all costs
 -See my family as much as possible and spend precious time with them

I could go on and on but I know no one wants to read a to do list for someone else. In conclusion to this year I'd like to say 2011, it's been real. 2012, I'm ready for you. I'll go out tonight, dress nice and have some laughs with friends. And tomorrow come 1 pm I'll be doing interval runs for 5 miles at Lake Pflugerville ensuring my 2012 promise to WIN WIN WIN is more than just talk.

I'd like to finish this entry with one of my favorite quotes, 'Sometimes you're flush, and sometimes you're bust. And when you're up, you never think you're gonna be down. And when you're down, you never think you're gonna be up again, but LIFE GOES ON!'

Have a great night and start your life right in 2012!