A New Year

I look forward each year to January 1st. Having spent much of my work life in the accounting profession there was always something exciting about the start of a new year. While it usually meant additional working hours it also meant we could close the book on the just-ended year and start afresh. If the previous year was particularly bad January 1st was a good day to reflect what went wrong and how we could avoid the same mistakes in the new year. Conversely, if it was a great or even good year we could plan how to make it better. Regardless, it is a time that wise men take stock and try to do better.

Every year I make resolutions and generally I do pretty well on them. With notable exceptions, of course. This year is no different but I am very optimistic this year for some reason. I expect that this will be a very good year for me and I am excited about the prospects. These are some of the things driving me on this January 1st:

I refuse to participate in the recession, depression, or whatever you want to call it. In any dire situation there is opportunity for which I am constantly looking. This last political season took a toll on our national confidence level and I am on a one-man mission to restore it!

I work in a field most people couldn't and look forward to going to work each day. That is not to say that there are not challenges and disappointments but that they are minor compared to the satisfaction I receive from my efforts.

I have a grandson due any minute and I can't wait for his arrival!

I have a wonderful wife that has been my partner in every way for over 34 years.

Last, but certainly not least, I owe all of the above to my God and the guidance he have given me throughout my life. It seems my most troubled times were when I was farthest from him.


I suggest that each of you sometime this day take a few moments to reflect on the year just ended, the year just begun, and the positive things in your life. I believe this will help to make 2009 a great year for you.

Happy New Year