HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Goodbye last year…

Another year gone as we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome in 2oo9. What a year for the books.

New years day happened about 2 hours ago on the east coast of the USA and Tracie called me to wish it in to me but I was already up for the day and at the gym. Having the day off I went over to the cafe next door and had an organic black coffee and a yogurt/fruit smoothie. That sounds so me doesn’t it. Anyway we said our HNYs and she went off to bed.

2008

La Famiglia:

John, another semester into year two at Furman and doing well. We are very proud of him. Still teaching drums, playing drums and has a cool new girl friend.

Abby, junior and doing fantastic. A dancing machine (I sure do miss those dance programmes). Next year senior. Where will she choose to go to U? She was so sick when she got here on Christmas Eve but she hung in there and lifted my spirits.

Tracie is taking care of the family business which is no small task. Plus a full time job. She managed a visit and then brought everyone over for Christmas. A quick trip but a stamp in the passports.

As for me the story is in the preceding posts. Left Cayman to get back home and then off to the UAE. The future is in front of me.

Guardare Indietro:

Would be a lot happier if a large portion of our savings hadn’t been erased from the ledger. But everyone probably took a hit so you feel the pain too. No one person or group to blame, just bad economic practices by a lot of persons and groups. Our goal this year…reduce unsecured debt. I think we all learn from these tough times. Capitalism equals humans, neither perfect but the best thing going.

“If you are going through hell, keep going”. Winston Churchill

Not really happy with the elections. We voted and John for the first time. But I am not throwing stones (much) in fact I hope the next four years are ones to be proud of. Who wouldn’t. But there is some rebuilding to do for us elephants. Sorry if you disagree. That’s your privilege . As far as John voting for the first time this is a great thing. I have voted in every presidential election since eligibility and all other elections when possible. You should too.

No change on my stance on global warming. Get over it. And you may have notice this religion has lost momentum to everyone losing their assets. However there is a future in alternative energy. Of course my bro Steve has been saying that all along. Now there may be some money in it. Just don’t tax me on it.

Of course the move to Abu Dhabi was a biggie this year. I have come to really like this place… in the winter. Much Like Cayman in Jan/Feb it can be very comfortable. It’s a lot different in a lot of ways to life in SC USA. There is much to learn about this culture.

Have read several books this year most of which I do not remember frankly because some of these are read to pass the time and remove present thoughts temporarily. Those remembered include: Patrick Buchanan 1) Churchill, Hitler and the Unnecessary War and 2) Day of Reckoning. Newt Gingrich, Pear Harbor. Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth, published several years ago but one I enjoyed this year. And started in 08 reading now Nelson DeMille, The Gate House.

08 Golf: No better no worse but have played some very nice tracks, met good people and for the most part throughly enjoyed myself. Injuries have not helped. I miss playing with Jason and Christine back on the rock. Here is my best advise on golf, hit the ball in the fairway for your optimum lowest score.

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Arnold Palmer

Had a goal in 2008 to lose weight and get fitter and so I did. Took a lot of work in the gym but eating healthy is easy. My food vise, Walkers Pure Butter Shortbread Highlanders, a product of Scotland. A damned good cookie. Otherwise its yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries for breakfast; tuna or chicken salad sandwich for lunch; fish and rice for dinner. This is easier to do on my own as you might imagine. If is wasn’t for Absolut or Makers, red and white wine I would really be in good shape. This part we will work on in 09.

2009

Guardare Avanti

Really did not mention anything about my job or the project I am on. I try not to dwell on that much for practical and private reasons. I can say I am the project manager, managing the construction of a private building and will be deeply involved in it now and for at least the next six months. This is what I have to look forward to this year and determined to give my best effort. Enough said.

I would like to see other parts of this world. Let’s make it a goal.

Will get back home in the spring I hope. See you there.

I do not have a new years vow to loose weight, eat healthy and all of that because I am already on it. Good luck if this is your goal.

Happy New Year to all of you and heres wishing you all of the best. More Christmas Pictures coming.

Cheers