Long December

A long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leaving
Oh the days go by so fast

And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think that I could be forgiven
I wish you would

The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls
All at once you look across a crowded room
To see the way that light attaches to a girl

And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think you might come to California
I think you should

Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after 2 a.m.
And talked a little while about the year
I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower
Makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass

And it's one more day up in the canyon
And it's one more night in Hollywood
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean
I guess I should

-counting crows

Well it's a brand new year with all the implications... "A brand new treadmill" as we say in the business. Ever the optimist, I look forward to this new year hoping for smooth sailing and days filled with smiles laughter and peace - just like 2006 right??

So it's time to make goals and resolutions for the next year which is nothing new to me. I do that stuff all year round. As my Mother said, "I have lists of where my lists are." Typically, I gravitate towards goals that are easily defined, challenging but achievable, and have clear measurablility as far as success or failure go. (You can see i paid attention in business school). But what about the areas in life that are not measurable, or the excellence i strive for that is not at all achievable?

Attitude is a very important issue to me. I truly believe that the attitude a person carries around with him and the way his countenance is set has a vast effect on even external things in life. (I am more apt to write when i'm in a melancholy mood so people probably read and think that i have a horrible attitude). It really disturbs me to be around people who have a negative outlook on life and so I try to minimize those relationships either intentionally or often subconsciously. Usually I am pretty good about keeping my head up and believing the best and having a cheery outlook on life. However, the last year or two have found me more and more often in a funk and while i can make excuses for things going on, its still my choice whether to choose joy or not. (James 1:2-4)

So when the ball drops and the confetti falls you will find me with my head up and a light in my eyes and a song in my heart. I'm realistic about challenges, I'm willing and expecting to put my back into some serious hard work (and hard life), but i'm optimistic that the Giver of All Good Gifts has my name this year and knows just what i need. "Maybe this year will be better than the last..."