Start 2009 off on a positive note.

OK, so 2008 kind of ended on a low note. Home owners in the US got the shaft, banks suffered huge blows, the auto industry went on life-support, newspapers faced harsh reality, and the Canadian political situation went from shaky to uncertain. The blogosphere, including my own blog, has been echoing a lot of messages of an uncertain future, and a stark new world.

Let’s take a break.

Like being in a relationship that you can see is heading south – sometimes it’s best to take some time off and reflect. See the good things around the horizon, and fall in love with life once again. OK, that’s a bit much. The point is, I’m looking forward to 2009. Here are my reasons:

1. Battlestar Galactica’s final season resumes January 16. I’m not that big of a sci-fi fan, but this series won me over instantly. I’m very much looking forward to finding out who the “fifth” is. If you don’t know what I’m talking about – catch up to the series. Like today.
2. Montreal Canadiens playing in their 100th season. I can’t tell you each player’s plus-minus, or their PIM – but there is something truly cathartic about watching a good game. You forget the complexities of work and life – and it all boils down to one thing, the next goal.
3. Finally starting my Web Analytics studies at UBC. I’ve been looking forward to honing my analysis skills for months. Self-teaching can take you only so far, and I’m itching to take that next step.
4. I look forward to stealing some time away for some snowboarding. After a great first season last year, I’m looking forward to not falling on my butt improving this year. Nothing like fresh air to cure a bout of sun-deprivation, I say.
5. Building more meaningful connections and speaking my mind on my blog. I often toss many ideas around in my head about all sorts of things and I blogging forces me to be disciplined about my thoughts and gives me a forum to get feedback from others.
6. Some time off. After a few years of working with a bare-bones staff and going full throttle at Concordia University against political red-tape, I’m taking a few months off to dedicate to my family and studies. It’ll give me a chance to recharge my batteries – it’s been a hard uphill battle getting the university up to speed.
7. Freelancing again. It’s been a good 2 years since I’ve taken a contract, and I have one lined up for the spring. It will be a nice change of pace to work at my own pace, and finally producing work up to my standards.
8. Taking photos. I’ve gone far too long without shooting something of interest to me.
9. Using my new mandoline and sharpening my knives. I look forward to finding some free time to cook some more, especially some okonomiyaki.
10. Last but definitely not least, spending time with my wife and daughter. 2008 has been hectic – I’m looking forward to a slower, and more inspirational pace.

What are you looking forward to?

Happy New Year to all! Drive safe.