Today, a new year is upon us.  It's a time to reflect on where we've been, where we are, and where we're going. 

It's a time to take stock of all the wonderful things we have in life, and to finally clean out the refrigerator and throw away that bean dip left over from our July 4th picnic.  Ahhh, that was some picnic, too.  It isn't every year when uncle Harold decides to go skinny dipping in the park's city pool.  Well, let's be honest, he wasn't exactly skinny dipping -- he was still wearing his black socks.  Isn't life precious?!

It's a time to appreciate all the freedoms we enjoy in this great country, unless you're a Hilton, a Spears, or a Lohan in which case you've enjoyed your freedoms a bit too much.  They enjoyed their freedoms so much that now they don't have as many as they used to.  Of course, the rest of us rarely have the freedom to say "I'm sorry, Your Honor," and have it recorded by a court stenographer.

It's a time to follow our dreams and let them take us to new places.  My dream is to have my very own Holodeck where I can stroll the streets of Tatooine with my friend Luke or explore ancient ruins with college history professor Dr. Jones.  What, too far fetched?  OK, maybe I should set my sites on something more realistic like having Scarlett Johansson call me on the phone -- just to say, "Hi".  She's single now!  (Scarlett, my number's in the book.)

It's a time to make resolutions for things we want to change in our lives.  For many environmentalists, that means conserving water by showering less and using more deodorant.  For the risk-takers among us, that means being more polite to the policeman that pulled us over for speeding by asking him if he knows where we can find a good jelly doughnut. 

Happy New Year, America!