Morning all:

HAPPY 2006!
I am amazed how often those first gulps of coffee places all your synapses into gear, and how easily the thought processes then start up. For example, New Year’s eve and already you see the same old mundane lists of resolutions. The same old trite “though shalt” lists of: lose weight, stop smoking, exercise, save, learn something new, less alcohol, be more giving, and on and on.

Here, with fresh coffee in front of me, I have a different list which proposes that you focus on more individualistic and meaningful resolutions, these, because they have real meaning will probably be kept. For my circle something such as:
• I will not tell the same story at every get together. – “four fingers on the cheek” Dirk
• I will remember it isn’t worthwhile wrestling with pigs – you get all muddy and don’t the pigs just love it! – “slip sliding in Tonga” Adrianne
• Eat more nice things like candy, Big Macs, popcorn and ice cream. Eat less crap like fresh fruit, vegetables and soy nuts. – “another stalk of celery please” Jason
• Improve on a worthwhile old habit, like smoking – it helps keep Kentucky tobacco workers in jobs. – “front porch puffer” Marcia
• If I see a UFO I won’t tell anybody about it – “my house really is alive” Kirstin
• I will remember that life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce. – Vinnie the pet cat
• I will not bite the children of lawyers, no matter how much they chase me or how hard they pull my tail.- Shang the pet dog
• I will prognosticate that I will probably procrastinate engaging in all the objectives I have premeditated for this approaching twelvemonth – Cheryl the wordsmith

On a serious note it would appear that the Iraqi people are beginning to understand the possibilities of a life without the shackles of a horrific dictatorship as they braved insurgency and voted in droves. At the same time the first glimpses of preparations and plans to bring the troops home. See “Week’s Best” button below for an array of amazing Iraqi blogs detailing events and life in that country. My wishes for 2006 are with our soldiers and those ordinary Iraqi’s who only want the best for themselves, their families, and their country.

Christmas was wonderful. Being with family in Michigan could not have been better. Although, where was that promised snow? Tevita, on his first visit in the US has not stopped smiling—except for a slight food “incident”. Actually we are enjoying his company and as you can see he is assimilating into American ways perfectly.


So, for 2006 I wish you happiness, health, peace, and the hope that tomorrow morning you won’t wake up wearing a medallion and there’s a note from Al Sharpton that says, “I’ll call you”.

Make it a great week and a great year!
Cheers,
Dirk