2008 - Good bye and Good RiddancE!

[The Pogue]

Well there's about 4 1/2 hours left of a fairly rotten year. Granted, it did have some high points, such as Obama's nomination and my daughter's wedding. Still, for many of us, it was one of great insecurity, uncertainty, and financial disaster.

Let's see....2008...how did I hate you?

Both of my parents diagnosed with cancer
A suicide attempt within the family
A new CLUELESS director at work..so bad I wound up switching districts.
Ongoing war in Afganistan and Iraq...lots of deaths and almost no resolution.
Terrorism in Mumbai and so many other places
Starvation in Africa
The newlyweds struggling with unemployment and harassment...watching their dreams crumble
Three car accidents
Homelessness coming literally to my doorstep
Seeing long-time friends face foreclosure
My portfolio down more than 75%
Snow, snow, snow, and more snow!!!
Moving the kids in -4f windchill

Here's to a better 2009 for everyone!

[wallyw1]

Looking for good things for you in 2009.

Our cousin sent the following--it seems appropriate:

For the New Year I wish you the strength to meet any challenge; the joy of knowing you are loved; the satisfaction of rendering service; and the peace of a quiet heart.

[LauraP]

Pogue--I feel ya! Every year, we have a ritual calendar burning--I go through the year month by month, we talk about the good and the bad, and then we make a nice roaring fire in the fireplace and burn the calendar. Good or bad, it's over and it's nice to move on.

I just found out my nephew, who got married last weekend, is getting deployed with his Natl Guard unit in September to Afghanistan. Please think good thoughts for this young couple, since Kabul is a really bad place. I hope we can get all our troops out soon, and safely

[The Pogue]

I just scored a JNY cashmere for under $20, tax included. Cheap enough to wear at home, and snuggly-soft.