Happy New Year!

When the clock strikes twelve tonight, people all over the world will cheer and wish each other a very Happy New Year. For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar and they won't even stay up until midnight. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow.

For me, it is a chance to spend quality time with my family and thank everyone who has helped me this past year. I want to thank my wife, daughter and son for making this past year so rewarding and memorable. I also want to thank all of my readers of this blog. Wow, more than 12,000 hits from all around the world. It blows my mind that so many people have read this blog. I am truly grateful to all of you and to those who return on a regular basis to read my thoughts and leave an occasional comment.

Tonight...
For the Saunders' family, we will continue the tradition of going out to dinner tonight at our local Japanese Steak House. We will watch the skillful chef entertain us as he prepares our meal right in front of us. After enjoying our dinner, we will rush home and have a family-fun game night. We rotate between playing board games and playing games on the wii. It is so much fun when I get a chance to win. This doesn't usually happen much anymore. Another sign that a year has gone by and I am continuing to get older.

Where ever you are at midnight, I hope you have a wonderful beginning to the new year and that you are surrounded by those who love you, inspire you and help you reach heights that you didn't think were possible!

I am looking forward to a good year ahead and I wanted to share some New Year wishes that I came upon.  

An Irish toast
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.

Benjamin Franklin
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.

William Arthur Ward
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

Ann Landers
Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Happy New Year!