Leaving 2007

So, it's come to this. The year is ending. In Sydney, Australia, it has already ended. The year 2007 was escorted out to great celebrations, signs that people there have great hope for 2008 being a very different, and much better, year.

In England, they're reporting that Michael Bloomberg is considering a run for president in 2008. Hmmm. He's not the dark-horse I've been waiting for.

Everyone knows, of course, that the close of one year and the launch of a new one is purely artificial. One day is the same as the next. But, in keeping with the spirit of the New Year introspections in which we all engage (admittedly or not), here are my thoughts:

• 2008 will be a big improvement over 2007 because we know that Bush will be replaced when the votes of November are cast. I have a deep concern that we're probably going to be looking at four years, minimum, of nothing, but at least Bush will be gone.


• In 2008, I'm going to take steps to improve my chances at retiring in the near future. What those steps will be remain to be seen.


• While I'm known far and wide as someone who's not spiritual and am an avowed atheist, in 2008 I'm going to at least adopt a more tolerant attitude toward mass delusion. And, I'm going to explore how some things, often called spiritual, can in fact impact one's physical and mental well-being...things like meditation.


• I've let myself grow fat and lazy. In 2008, I'll take steps to regain my better health and a better lifestyle.


• Focus. Identify goals, and then focus on achieving them. Focus.

With luck, an intelligent, articulate leader who can inspire the public to sacrifice for the greater good will arise in 2008.

Dream. Dream, dream, dream. Dream.