Welcome 2007! May a new year bring us all new experiences, new knowledge and continuing fulfillment.

Realizing that this journal has become rather introspective, I took the liberty of looking over the 22 entries I managed in the later months of 2006. What struck me was the consistently negative undertone; even the recounting of bright moments sounded as if they suprised me. I find this disturbing.

In all honesty, though, I believe this is an accurate representation of my life mindset. I am an introverted, quiet, fatalistic and melancholy person. Evidently this comes across when I choose to relate how I see day-to-day life unfolding. I would like to say that I want to be more positive. I certainly will say that I need to be more appreciative of what has been granted me.

I think that for now, I will settle on saying that I need to be more focused. Work does take up a lot of my time, but I enjoy a good bit of that time and I need to remember that. I have fantastic friends and an awesome martial arts school. I have a wonderful husband who I wouldn't change if I could. I am privileged to live in the richest country in the world and have nice things - nice cars, nice computers, nice clothes, good food...the list is endless.

For these things, and so many more, I am truly thankful. Does that mean my daily conduct and communication is inappropriately pessimistic? I'm not sure, but I pledge to make every effort in this new year to remember what I have been given, and to remember that much shall also be asked of one so blessed.