My favorite newspaper, The Ann Arbor News, ran the presses for the very last time yesterday (July 23). Although I embrace new technology, reading the paper via the internet just isn't going to be the same.

Joy to the world! I have lived long enough to see the United States of America elect its first black President! And how awesome would it be now if I live long enough to see the first female President elected into office? Makes us all proud Obama!

In just about twenty minutes I will turn 54 years of age. How did that happen? I feel like I'm around the age of 38, not 54 (lol). In the year to come, I've set the following goals: 1) Lose weight (when have I said that before?); 2) Improve my overall health through exercise and eating right (ditto); 3) Learn to be more patient; 4) Learn to be more tolerant; 5) Learn to be still and more at peace. Oh, and lower my rate of complaining (I've really become quite the complainer).

We lost power for two days just after Christmas, and then the furnace blew out. It took five days for the heat to be restored. My stress level during this short period of time was high. I couldn't sleep. I was cranky, angry, depressed. It was not a fun way to spend my vacation. Still I can't imagine the fear that the people in Israel and Gaza are going through at the moment. The government of Israel has invaded the Gaza strip to stop the ongoing rocket firing from the Hamas. In all my life I've never been able to understand the burning hate that people have for other people. I understand that sometimes war becomes necessary, but at the same time in this day and age I can't undestand why we can't avoid it through peaceful discussion and negotiation.

In about ten minutes I will turn the age of 54. I look out at the cold night sky and wonder what this coming year will bring. Happy birthday to me - may I live another healthy, happy, and gentle fifty more.