In less than two hours, 2010 will officially be history and 2011 will be the new path we will tread. Will this be a better year than the last? I have a feeling we’ll find out soon enough.

As I look back on 2010, I see a year that had its share of good moments. Time shared with friends and family, new additions to our family tree, watching my daughter as she has grown into a woman and seeing her make wise, prudent decisions regarding her life and education and realizing that maybe I’ve done some good in this world. Surviving this past year with my job, home and health intact is pretty amazing too. This past year has also been fraught with its share of not so good moments too. The passing of family and friends, five consecutive years without a raise and the ever constant paycheck to paycheck battle to survive which has become an everyday part of life. I have to look at the overall ‘big picture’ in a realistic light and know that even though my year wasn’t what one could call ‘stellar’ by any means or stretch of the imagination, or that it wasn’t as good a year as some have enjoyed, its still been better than the year that others have had. For that, I do feel very fortunate.

I look forward to 2011 with hope and optimism for all. May this new year be the best we’ve ever had and may it be filled with love, laughter, hope and joy.

HAPPY NEW YEARS and as always… Later gators!