Happy New Year!

I know that it has been a little while since my last post. I've been in a bit of a funk. Perhaps it's the "winter blues". On this New Year's Eve, I find myself reflecting on many things. Perhaps it's just natural around New Year's, birthdays and anniversaries to become somewhat retrospective. Yes, we all have stuff that weighs heavy on us, but I think it's important to stay positive.

For some of us, it's a lot easier than others. None of us know what life will bring us, but if we didn't have and hardships, than life would be dull. There would be no triumphs, nothing to achieve, no mountains to climb.

I also get reflective because it was 6 years ago on December 30 that my dad died. I miss having face to face talks with him, but his legacy clearly lives on. Earlier this year we were in Alabama at my sister's house and I had use a stern tone with my son. My sister took pleasure when she told me, "Howie, you send just like Dad".

Speaking of family, I just spent a week at my in-laws. To be honest, I wasn't totally looking forward to it. Their house is much smaller than mine and with 5 of us cramped into the 1 story ranch house, it's always tight. But, overall we had a good week.

Which gets me to my next point. In spite of what doesn't go our way, life for most of us is pretty good. As I travel into 2008, I hope that I can be positive more than I already am. I hope that I can remember to treasure my family more and just let the little things roll off my back. If I can lay off the sweets and hit the treadmill just a tiny bit more, then life should be even better.

And if something happens in 2008 that you didn't expect, I hope you can deal with it in the best possible way. I was in between jobs for most of 2000. One thing I learned is that I should not allow fear and panic to dictate my actions because I would likely make bad decisions.

It won't all go your way in 2008, but I hope that most of it does.

Happy New Year!