Well, let's get started............

Hello, Everyone! I hope one and all had a very Merry Christmas, happy Hannukkah, or whatever you may or may not celebrate.  My wife and I had a very quiet, but good Christmas. We both try to take a couple of weeks off from work and the daily grind around the hollidays, but that doesn't always work out, especially for her, as she is self employed. But, my goodness, how the time flies. I go back to work on January 5, as does my wife, and, as we are both back in college ( tough on a 48 year old that hasn't seen a textbook in over 25 years), classes start at the same time. But enough babbling.

I am starting this blog to do a few different things. One, it's a good way to journalise my experiences as a late middle-aged man re-entering the education world; two, I want to practice up on writing, as I have some ideas for a book or two; three, I'd like to open up some discussions on politics and current events, to get a feel of what people outside my sphere of contacts think, and to unload some of my opinions on the unsuspecting world; and, four, to discuss with others my thoughts and ramblings on my various interests, and to hear your ideas or musings on any subject we might bring up. 

I am very interested in politics and the events that are shaping the future for all of us. These are scary, and interesting, times that we are going through right now. Regardless of your political leanings or religion, we all share one thing in common: we are facing the future together. No matter how we feel about President-elect Obama, or the new Congress, or the economic situation, all of us are being effected. I hope to present my feelings and views on these and other subjects in such a manor as to invite responses that discuss these issues openly, honestly, intelligently, and peacefully. The troubles the world is facing today demand that we find common ground and ways to cooperate, creating solutions, that while they may not be perfect, benefit us as a whole, even though some individuals may not be satisfied. Our numbers are so great, and our citizenry so diverse that no solution will make everyone happy, and there will be some angered, some adversely affected. But we must find a way to put aside our own selfish and narrow needs and wants in favor of answers that benefit our country, indeed the world, in general. Our government and the new president will put forward some things that some will praise, and some will claim will bring Democracy and the U.S. down. I pray that God will influence our leaders to make good and just decisions and policies, and follow his will, and not just mine. I think everyone else should do the same.

This is enough for now, as I think I may be getting a little wordy. I hope everyone is well, had a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year to all.