  Exclamation Points RULE!!!! I predict: The Baltimore Ravens will win the Super Bowl. Yup. Best defense in the playoffs. I don't particularly like the Ravens, but gotta give 'em props. I'm very glad to put 2003 behind me.
It was too emotional, what with the tragic loss of one of the finest people I've ever met -- that being my nephew, Harry -- and the graduation of the light of my life (my daughter, Erika) from college, her marriage to The Guy You Pray Your Daughter Brings Home (you could not hand-pick a better man for your daughter), to the decision by my son to leave his incredible job (where's he's been successful beyond any expectations) to attend Penn State. Wow ... I need a breather. I set goals around this time of year. So far I've come up with the following goals: 1. Read two books about being more assertive; one by end of March, other by end of July.
2. Read an average of one book every two months. 3. Lift Weights at least two times a week. 4. Purge my old clothing.
5. Finish painting the living room by end of February. 6. Finish garage shelves by end of March. I'll have more to follow. Take note!!
Here's a tip to use at work that will earn you some points: when you have a list, always always always make it a numbered list (as I did above, thankyewverymush). That way, in a meeting, people can easily refer to it by number. Didn't learn that in college, did ya? Nope! You can thank me by sending me one or more cigars. Hey Miles!
Nice web site ... NOT! (it's down). Stinkin' skateboarding liberal. Shambaugh and Grichten came over for New Year's Eve. Had a great time, better than expected. We hung out, mostly in the garage with me smoking three cigars (not at once ... duh), and had some adult beverages and just talked and -- mostly -- laughed.
So great to see some friends from times gone by, still friends, still doing well. At one point, Shambaugh remarked at our lives (my bride and I) being "about perfect". He named great kids, lovely house, good jobs, 25 years plus of marriage ... and reminded us how great that all is. That was encouraging. Having someone from the outside, looking in, tell you that you have a great life ... it means a lot. After reaching middle age, it dawns on you just how important relationships are.
You lose that 20-something aggressiveness and that 30-something ego and just mellow out. It's great, it really is. And despite what most of the losers out there would have you believe, you can be in very good physical shape at age 45 and still enjoy kayaking, biking, surfing, golfing, lifting weights ... I could go on ad nauseum. Point is: as Frank sang, "The Best Is Yet To Come". 
