2008: A time to reflect

And what a year it was. So many things happened in 2008, it's hard to know where to begin.

First and foremost was the free fall in stocks, the near collapse of the worlds financial markets, the rise and fall of oil and gasoline prices, and of course there was the election of Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. My faith in the American public was finally restored.

Everything else pales in comparison, even the fact Edie and I made it through 2008 not much worse for wear than we started the year, but there was at least one thing of note.

Edie did have an autologous transplant in October, but so far she seems to be recovering fine. She still suffers from persistent neuropathy, resulting from the Velcade she was taking for her Multiple Myeloma, but this month she was approved for Social Security Disability so that has helped. Edie no longer has to endure the unendurable anymore by trying to work.

But it seems there is always a downside to everything. Now my days off aren't just MY days off anymore. Since Edie's home all the time, I don't have free reign to do what I want, when I want. Now I have to consider what Edie may want.

I guess I can live with that though. I just hope we don't start getting on each others nerves too much. I may have to start going into work more often, or better yet, start playing more golf, or going for longer bike rides.

Beyond all of the above, this year hasn't been much different than any of the previous 60 years, that I can remember, but I am expecting prospects for the coming year to be much improved.

So pop a cork, have a toast, maybe even set off some fireworks, and celebrate 2009. Things are going to get better.

And if you're a cyclist, and in Southern California, don't forget tomorrow's New Year's Day ride. It's an annual tradition here in SoCal.

I'll be there!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!