Monopoly

Only moments from 2008, I sit out and quietly observe a monopoly game that Quintin and Larry have been playing with all the competitive gusto of two testosterone-loaded game players. Sydney and I were beat out hours ago with the luck of the dice on a hotel-ridden game board dominated by Larry. My bet on who wins now is on Quintin who is coming up from behind, complete with an all-knowing grin and a wad full of cash. We shall see what this little guy can do to compete against the big guy who now owns the yellow properties as well as Park Place and Boardwalk. Trying to predict the game’s outcome is much like trying to predict what 2008 has in store for us. There are no guarantees, just the expectation of the unexpected. To take the expectations of oneself and throw it however you may into the unexpected future, is pretty much all we can really do. Fate has a funny way of playing itself out. This past fall, Larry, Sydney, Quintin and I had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel and see how the other side of the world lives. But opportunities like this, could not have happened without the help of people. These people include family members, young and old, precious friends who share a long history, and new amazing acquaintances - all these people who have and will continue to enrich our lives forever.

2007 Unexpectations: Grandpa Manny’s passing, St. Brendan’s departure, Hawaii, Positive opera reviews, computer crashing, new friendships, car break-in, Europe, Getting European management, children growing up too fast, kindness when you least expect it, and (drum-roll, please) Quintin beating Larry in monopoly!