feeds
New Year's Eve, 2008, a time to reflect back on the year and look forward as we ring in the new.
We say goodnight to a tough, brutal year economically and usher in an uncertain New Year. For me, it's been a "slap in the face" year and I enter the next one fully awake. It feels better that we start anew.
Anew with hope as we await a new President and Administration. Let's send out hope; let's shout out hope into the air so we start 2009 with a loud commitment to get through with positive attitude, strength and fortitude.
We remember the sadness and mourning around the world in 2008 - the Szechuan earthquake and Mumbai terrorist attacks spring to my mind - but, also, the year closes with much heartbreak and uncertainty in the Middle East. Let's not give up on hope for peace.
We remember when the world was at its best in 2008 in the determination and bravery of Olympic athletes in Beijing. We celebrated their victories and acknowledged their defeats, and always admired their courage and skills.
Personally, I look back and celebrate my past eight years in Guilderland and all the friends I made in the Capital District, and all the experiences I had. It was challenging; it was fun; it was a time for learning, and it was the start of motherhood. Now I look forward to establishing a new life in Nashville, Tenn. and a new set of challenges and experiences.
I look back to the health crisis I suffered in September and give thanks for all the wonderful doctors who took care of me. I look forward to relearning how my body functions so it serves me well for the next half of my life.
I look back to my writing for Spotlight Newspapers, both in print and online. Thanks for reading; thanks for your support and thanks for joining in the conversations with me. I look forward to new creative adventures and new places to begin new conversations.
It's been a blast, everyone and welcome in 2009.
My best wishes to you and yours,
SUSAN S. CHEUNG
DEC. 31, 2008
