First Post!

It's the last day of the month and 2009 has begun in earnest!

So, how is everything in the world? If you listen to the news, it seems that the world is about to callapse into nothingness; but, our new president has taken over in order to save us all from total ruin. I'm not really sure any president, no matter how popular, can pull the country out of the recession we are currently suffering from.

It seems that President Bush believed that spending 350 billion dollars would do it. Yet things got worse. The other 350 billion dollars in the original law is being spent as I write. And still, the economy continues to tank further. My 401(k) and my 403(b) accounts seem to indicate that as I reach 64 in February there is no retiring in the near future.

I'm know I'm not alone in feeling the pinch. But, I have a hope that things will turn out well, and there are two reasons for that hope. First, the students I am currently teaching are all optimistic about the future and are diligently working to make their lives (and others) better as they strive to live their own versions of the American dream.

My second reason is my grandson. He is six and growing so fast. He's smart, bright, and very happy about himself and his own life. He is surrounded by people who love and care for him--and constantly show him they really care. He is my reason for wanting to stay as long as I can and work as hard as I can to save for his future. I want him to have every opportunity I did not have.

Oh, there is one more reason for my optimism, and that is my wife and children. My daughter has just completed her bachelor's degree and my son is getting married to a wonderful young lady in May. And my wife still loves and adores me just as I am.

Why shouldn't I be optimistic and forward looking in my life? So, I face the years ahead of me like a child--I can hardly wait to see how things turn out. Perhaps the people in the news media need to get a grip and take a look at what life really is like and stop looking only at the few people who are having a difficult time. As for me, I'd appreciate seeing a bit of good news once in a while.