NEW YEAR 2009...REFLECTIONS & RESOLUTIONS

First off, Happy New Year everybody! I know it's just another day on the calendar, but I can't help myself on New Year's Day. I always make resolutions (most of which I keep), and I always reflect on the previous year.

It's been a good year for the Andy family. Everybody's been healthy. Business was pretty good...head still above water anyway. Got another son graduated from high school & on a "life path." (3 down, 1 to go) We got the other young man (19 years old) that lives with us here graduated, too. He's finished his first semester at Community College & did real well...I was proud for him. My little 12-year-old Paul started middle school. I was worried, considering his challenges, but he's doing just fine and fitting in well. The car & the truck behaved all year & didn't bankrupt Mr. VISA again.

In '08, I had four (count 'em four) more than wonderful moments that thrilled me. My boys that live way off called me "for no particular reason"...just to visit. They don't know it, but they made my year.

Momma got much better this year. I swear, I thought she was gonna die. Her health got worse and worse when she got to where she couldn't get around. But since she got her knee replaced, she's getting around good...looks and feels better all the time. Daddy's still as healthy as an ox and works every day...my Daddy is a tough, strong, wonderful man (Oh crud, I just realized it's their anniversary...have to give 'em a call...they're in Myrtle Beach, SC on a get-away).

And The Mrs. In-law looks and feels fabulous. I'll swear, she is the best looking 74 year old widow woman you will ever run across.

Resolutions -

1) Eat more food.

I only gained 3 pounds in '08...that just will not do!

2) Get back to running religiously.

I was a competitive distance runner in my late 20's & 30's, but have really become a slug in my 40's. 50 is staring me in the face in 9 months...gotta "just do it." Momma bought me a pair of jeans for Christmas that did not fit, and it was not her fault as I had given her my size (my former size). Gotta do it.

3) Take at least half of the lawn-mowing duties off The Mrs.

She takes care of 4 yards here in the neighborhood, and it's really a lot on her as she ages.

4) Spend more time working with my stupid yellow lab Sadie.

I haven't told y'all any good Sadie stories lately. The Mrs. told me to quit picking on Sadie so much. Maybe if I work with her a little more she won't be so danged embarrassing to have around. (I mean Sadie...not The Mrs.)

5) Spend more time with old friends.

I have really been a terrible friend over the years to the guys that I grew up with. I'm gonna stay in better contact with them...I'm sure they will just be thrilled...

6) Not be pessimistic about the future of our nation, or assume the worst from an Obama administration.

This is the one that I will most likely break by tomorrow...but I wrote it down anyway.

7) Watch more college football.

There were two or three games I missed in '08 because I was doing unimportant things that got me distracted.

8) Be more grateful.

That's gonna be hard, because I'm the most grateful person that I know. But even my "glass half-full" self has it's moments. Sometimes I don't take the time to see the blessing in the dookie pile.

9) Well, there ain't no #9...that's it.

Happy New Year y'all! May God bless and prosper every one of you in '09. May the peace of Christ rest on your homes, and in your hearts. May His grace surround and comfort you during the very troubling times to come with the idiot, clueless, corrupt Barack Obama as your President, and with little hope that good sense will ever return as a hallmark of US leadership.

Guess I can cross off #6 now.