The New Year, they say, is about reflections, resolutions and high hopes for the future. We take time to reflect on the year just ended and look hopefully ahead toward the fresh new year just beginning. Too often, admittedly, our reflections are about last year’s uncompleted list of resolutions and, yes, I’m just as guilty as anyone.

But 2007 has been a pretty good year for me – hopefully 2008 will be even better. And being the optimist you know me to be, I have high hopes for the coming year on a wider scale as well.

For California, I hope the state and its citizens find ways to work together for the good of the people and that the politics of negativity get buried beneath the overwhelming swell of goodwill that success produces.

For the country, I hope 2008 brings us closer to peace in the Middle East and a positive conclusion to the war in Iraq. There are good things happening in the region – we need to acknowledge them. And I hope the President is able to maintain our national security without sacrificing too many of our civil liberties, although I’m certainly prepared to sacrifice a few so-called “liberties” for the sake of security. It’s not that hard to reconcile if you remove the politics.

As for me, I look forward with enthusiasm and anticipation to the coming year. I have the love of an amazing woman whom I cherish, children I am proud of, beautiful grandchildren I adore, and wonderful friends I respect and appreciate. I look forward to retirement, more time with my family and friends, continued good health, and the opportunity and motivation to continue checking things off “our list.” 

Yes, I’m an optimist. I see the year ahead as one filled, not with problems, but with challenges and opportunities,  the glass half full rather than half empty. Thank you everyone for a pretty darn good 2007. I wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.