Beginning 2008

Point #1: Again, I turn to make an entry here. As January began, I set several personal goals. It's been a month now, and I guess I have a bit of work to do yet. Is this common to forget new resolutions this quickly. I think so. Check out this link for some of the statistics:

http://www.proactivechange.com/habits/resolutions/research.htm

Optimistically, I was among the 40-50% of the population that at least turned introspectively and made resolutions. Disappointingly, I'm among the 30-35% of goal-setters to forget or abandon their goals by now.

Point #2: Although it is point #2, it may as well be #1, because it was really what prompted me to get online and update my blog. I want to give a shout out to the NY Mets management for working diligently for the best off season pitching available to them. This week's trade for Johan Santana and subsequent contract negotiation has made me and all NY Mets fans proud. We love seeing quality pitching on the mound, and I believe that Santana is going to be solid. I'd tag Santana and Pedro as the best 1-2 punch in MLB pitching. And then you look at el Duque, Perez, and Maine to follow. Wow! I think we'll see the Mets rebound to a tremendous year.

Point #3: Living 2 minutes from Pasadena, I decided to see my first Rose Parade up close. I send out my thanks to Coach T. for saving me a spot in her drive-way. We then walked a couple of blocks and saw the world famous parade. I'm posting a few pictures of my favorite floats.

(Remember, all floats in the Rose Parade must be made of organic material.)

Let's here it for my city of Alhambra for putting together a fun float for the year of the rat.

This was the years most controversial float, heralding the upcoming summer olympics in Beijing. It was controversial because it shows support of China's government and their labor laws. There were very few protestors, and the rest of us enjoyed it.

This was a favorite by the state of New Mexico. I like that they highlight the state's pre-eminence at drawing aliens to Roswell. But when it's done it flowers, it doesn't seem to weird....just more artistic.

Doesn't this look relaxing and fun. The frog learning to hula at the bottom of a erupting volcano.

Point #4: Finally, my sister Kim and her family visited me. Kim had promised to take her daughter to Disneyland in discussions with her daughter during potty training. So, true to her word, Kim brought her and the rest of her family to visit. Besides a great time at Disneyland, we also managed to play some games, see the beach, and hear a little false doctrine. Trip complete! I am going to squeeze in a picture of us at Disneyland on a "special" trolley.