Forward....

First, allow me a moment of celebration by posting this link to a really cool press release on my PADI contest success. Views of the video have spiked over the last few days.

Second, I want to again address all those people who supported me in this contest - old high school mates, friends in distant countries, family, co-workers in NYC and other cities, NPOs that were integral in making this film happen and their supporters, dive shops I've worked with... basically, anyone who cast a vote for my video. I want to thank you for two reasons. The first, and most obvious one, is for the support you have lent me through the last eight months. Each and every vote counted towards the win.

More importantly, you have become an inspiration. Until people started telling me -- after I won! -- that they were voting a few times a week, I had no idea how much support there was for my entry. It has given me, for lack of any other suitable term, a warm and fuzzy feeling. But it also changed the landscape.

Before, the only one who had any investment in "Putting the PIeces Together" was myself and a few marine conservation organizations I had been working with. It was a quiet, unknown project. But now, having put it smack into the center of the spotlight, I have a large group of people I must answer to - namely, everyone who cast a vote. Before, I could have walked away any time after "Corals of Trawangan." Now, after learning of the support out there for my project, there is no way I could pull a lame stunt like that and let my supporters down.

With so many people rooting for me to win, I have a new obligation. I must finish this documentary. You have all invested in me, for which I am grateful. And I will not let you down.

This morning, I was awaken at a little after 3. I managed to fall asleep for another hour, but came awake again. Rather than curse the darkness and measly 4 hours of restless sleep, I turned on Final Cut Pro and went to work, eager to see what I could finish before work.

So thank you all again - not just for voting for my entry, but for giving me the inspiration I needed to get back to the job. Cheers!