Happy New Year

Wow, where did the Holidays go? It seems like only yesterday I was sending "Daughter " into the crawl space to drag out the Christmas decorations, and now it's New Years Eve. I hope you had a holly jolly Christmas and that your stocking got stuffed with all kinds of goodies. Christmas here at the casa went swimmingly. Santa paid a visit and "Daughter" was thrilled. Momma in her kerchief and I in my cap also received some nice gifts. We remembered the reason for the season and subjected ourselves to a two hour "children's mass" on Christmas Eve. I'll say this, a hundred crying babies will keep you awake during a sermon. It also reminded "Wife" and I how glad we are that "Daughter" is growing up and doesn't need to be fed Cheerios on a continual basis like a lab rat. We spent Christmas together and were thankful for the opportunity.

Normally, as the year comes to a close, people look back at major events and then look forward to the new year. I'm not that normal. Sure, I think it's important to look back, but what really changed this year from last? We still are losing hundreds of men and women in a war that most folks don't agree with, celebrities are still acting like buffoons by getting drunk, flashing their naughty bits and getting knocked up, people are losing their houses and gas prices keep going up. I don't want to dwell on that. Should we look ahead? What other choice do we have? I don't believe in making resolutions. I think it puts undo pressure on a person by labeling something a "resolution". If you make one slip, you feel like a failure and give up. I think we all know where we need to improve our lives, so instead of making a big pronouncement, just quietly work for change. That way if you screw up, no one will notice. Is that my wish for you in the new year, discreet failure? No, I wish us all rousing success, but let's be realistic, there's a good chance we'll blow it at some point, so know that going in and your occasional mis steps will be easier to stomach.

You may be wondering what a talented, entertaining man about town like myself will be doing to usher in 2008. Will I be attending a fancy ball, wearing a tux and hob-nobbing with other fashionable folks? Will I be swaying slowly to Guy Lombardo as the clock strikes twelve? Not me. Since no one saw fit to invite us to a swanky soiree, the Noonan family will be spending a quiet NYE at home. After much debate, we decided that there's no reason to go out just to say we went out on New year's Eve, so it's dinner and some movies and the hope that we can all stay awake until midnight. Boring? Perhaps, but comfortable, and the chance of a drunk driver plowing through my family room window is slim.

I want to thank those of you who continued to read this forum through what was, at some points, a lean 2007. I won't make any promises for 2008 other than to say I'll do my best to keep you updated and entertained. If I fail, feel free to see the above paragraphs. By the way, if you're up early on January 2 getting ready for work, changing the date in your check book or wondering how on earth your favorite bowl team didn't cover the spread and where you'll find the money to pay Nicky "the shiv", I'll be filling in for Steve and Johnnie on WGN from 2-5 am. Sure it's early, but sleep is for the week. Be strong. I wish you all a happy, healthy and productive New Year! Later...Brian