Welcome 2008!

I have never been one to be terribly excited about the changing of the year. New Year's Eve celebrations always seemed like a frivolous reason for people who spend too much time partying, to have another reason to tie one on.

Don't get me wrong, the anticipation of a better year certainly provides a sense of calm mixed with excitement. I also do enjoy the extension of the Christmas holiday. I just have never felt the need to say "good riddance" to a year before. That was until 2007.

In retrospect, it wasn't that bad. But it was a year to survive not to thrive.

It began with my mother recovering from an aneurysm. It rambled feebly along with limited income, saw the closing of our 15 year old business, and ended with my Aunt Rose clinging to life. The good news is that Mom did recover, we survived the worst financial year of our married life, our Son got a new job and moved to a beautiful new apartment, Our youngest daughter finished school and is working in a field she loves. Our oldest daughter still struggles financially, but all in all has a pretty blessed life; ( terrific boyfriend, nice apartment, and a decent (although low paying ) job. My wife loves her job, and my consulting business has finally started to take off. As of this writing, Aunt Rose continues to fight the dark angel.

We spent NYE together. Just the two of us, we had a wonderful evening eating, watching movies and the festivities on Times Square. It was bittersweet to see post-stroke Dick Clark hosting the show. Sad to see this icon aged and weakened by the frailties that ultimately come with growing old. But triumphant in his rising to the challenge and leading the nation into the new year with vigor and anticipation.

New Years is a time of reflection and a time of hope. As much as I think it is overdone, I guess it is cathartic for us all.

And so, in typical Silverbulletsandrust style, I give you this New Year poem...
I know a man
his name is Lang
and he has a neon sign.
Now Mr. Lang is very old
So they call it; Old Lang's Sign.
with thanks to the late, great Alan Sherman

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, & prosperous 2008!