Off To A Rough Start

Welcome to 2013. It's off to a rough start.

A toast to start the day, as I indulge in a little hair of the dog:

It wouldn’t be New Year’s if I didn’t have regrets.
 -- William Thomas

But seriously, folks, I'd like to share a prayer with you to begin the new year.

Dear Lord,

So far this year I've done well.

I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.

Amen

No, really...

In a moment of self-reflection I've taken a look back at how I changed as a person over the past twelve months.

Okay, this time I'm really, really serious. Here's some toasts I offered last night to everyone who drops by this little corner of the Interweb thingie.

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.
 -- Traditional Irish Toast

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

And for one final perspective on the whole idea of New Year's and resolutions, here's a couple of my favorite philosophers - Calvin and Hobbes. (Click to embiggen.)