I'm usually a very positive person. My glass is almost always "half full" as opposed to "half empty". That being said, I feel unusually optimistic about the year 2008 -- educationally, personally, professionally, and for my family as well.

I should receive my first degree this year. I say "first" because as you know, once I obtain my AA degree from St. Petersburg College, I plan to continue on and earn my Bachelor's degree as well. I haven't decided from what school I'll do that (when I do, I'll let you all know!) but I do know that I'll be doing it. After that, how knows? Maybe a graduate degree as well.

My kids are doing well in high school. My youngest remains in traditional high school, my oldest is earning her diploma online through the Penn Foster High School. Both are very happy in their programs, and I'm happy that I can be more involved in my oldest daughter's education. She needs me to do that.

Personally, my diet is going well. So far, I've lost over 10 pounds. And to be honest, it hasn't been hard, it doesn't "feel" like I'm dieting. We'll see if that remains true a month down the road!

There are a lot of exciting things going on at work. A lot of high-impact, very involved and interesting projects. We've got a new system in place for developing goals and objectives, and I'm instituting a new process for monitoring the productivity of my staff. In addition, we'll be moving to an upgraded facility at some point in 2008.

And my family... besides the educational goals, as you already know we're ALL on a diet, not just myself. And so far, all four of us have lost some weight. We're also starting to get some more exercise and get ourselves much healthier. And that's big. Really big.

So yeah, I'm excited about 2008. It's going to be a really good year!