Just as 2008 came in with so much hope and optimism, 2009 bodes well for personal achievement and progress. I spent a wonderful Christmas, and afterward, reflected on the many things for which I am thankful. As the curtain closes on 2008, I'm grateful for all the great things that made 2008 special to me.

For being able to survive high heating bills and electricity costs. And RG&E cut down the power outages from 11 to just four or five.

For another year at the homestead, where I could enjoy my garden and the fire garden.

For finally finishing my 400-pound polished concrete patio table, which is now one of my prized possessions.

For new friends, and previously enjoyed friends, who helped me get through some of the tough times.

For finding Speyburn Single-Malt scotch.

For the chance to go back to school for my M.B.A. And do it online.

For my friends at the August Group, and their willingness to network and share resources.

For coffee makers that last 14 years, and my new Cuisinart coffee machine.

For worm poop!

For the NY Pizza Show and the chance to do my PR thing in NY City once again.

For the opportunity to meet Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, and be backstage at the Live show.

For PR placements across the globe and on Finland network TV and wire services! Very cool, Ya!

For surviving a car engine fire on I-390, and the good fortune to be towed to Martin's Auto Repair in Wayland. John Martin is a very honest mechanic who was very helpful.

For surviving a car crash at the Culver-Ridge intersection with the rental car.

For my insurance agent, Lisa Trombley, who nearly cried when I called her.

For my insurance company, Liberty Mutual / Peerless, who lived up to all their ad claims.

For Sovereign Bank, and making my final payment on the Bonneville.

For the opportunity to go to Oxford, Miss. During the presidential debates and to see the beauty of small-city American Patriotism.

For extended visits, parades and wine tours with my St. Bonaventure friends. The memories are classic and will last a lifetime.

For the lovely people at the Episcopal Church Home, who are helping to make my mom's transition to a nursing home possible.

For the women at Sak's Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place, who reminded me why Cleveland was such a friendly place to live as we shared a few laughs among strangers.

For getting out of Mansfield, Ohio after my transmission blew.

For finally making it to St. Simons Island, which I can briefly describe as “God's finest work.”

For finally meeting my e-mail pal Gretchen and two of her daughters.

For meeting my online friend Michelle and her kids.

For shrimp po' boys at The King and Prince with an ocean view.

For picnic lunches at the pier and meeting pretty girls.

For the Hostel in the Forest, and the very cool people there.

For my friends in Virginia and the hospitality they showed.

For finally dispatching Mous-zilla.

For Facebook, and the privilege to connect once again with some pretty awesome people.

For walks in Durand-Eastman Park, because you never know whom you might meet.

For my Irish brother, Kevin, and the opportunity to make Christmas money helping him do some spectacular Christmas catering.

For the generosity of Tom and Susan, and the hope that I'll get to see Jeannie from Spencerport some other time.

For my drinks and movies with my sweet new friend, Maria.

For my friend Renee, and Christmas with the Ricco family.

For Christmas greeting from “the land of Santa Claus,” Finland, and my new friend Jarmo. What a great surprise.

For people who believe in the Re-Pizza Delivery System! Close to making it all happen, so keep the faith.

For people smarter than I who develop all this new technology, like Adobe Acrobat and viral video and digital cameras.

For the spirit of Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the civil rights activists who made it possible for a black American to accede to the highest office in the land.

For dreamers and people who do. Let's dream and do more in 2009.