I got up out of bed this morning to the relentless howling of the wind pounding on my windows. As if it was my usual alarm clock trying to tell me, I’m late. Suddenly, my groggy brain was bombarded with strange early morning questions, like…

Late for what? I’m on vacation, as far as I can remember.

So, curious as a cat, I put on a ski jacket and bravely opened my front door to see if the neighborhood was still intact. The raging wind was so determined to not let me peek outside, that I had to fight my way out the door. Why? I mean, I had to push like a maniac, for crying out loud! This is nuts!

I stood outside the porch for a minute just to start my day with some fresh air in my lungs (while holding on to the rails, of course). And then, I realized, it’s the morning of new year’s eve. The last day of the year 2007. I was a bit taken aback by this thought.

Already?

I haven’t even started the year yet, I pondered. No, I mean it. It feels like this year was mercilessly wasted. Like, you know… I could’ve done so many things, but I didn’t. I hate to say it but this year for me is the year of the Shoulda Coulda Woulda. I shoulda, I coulda, I woulda. But I didn’t.

Why, Chris? Why didn’t you?

I have to forgive myself for this, lest, 2008 might not be any different.

Anyhow, it’s getting a bit nippy out there, but I had to take one last look outside, as the year comes to an end. It wasn’t the year I was hoping for, but I have to say, that 2007 has been good to me, nevertheless. It could’ve been worse, indeed. Even though, there were things I wish I could have resolved; things I could have answered. Oh well, it would all have to wait for now, as this year is about to go away forever. Right now, I just want to savor the last day of the year. I want to be grateful for what it’s been. Good or bad. And, I want to hear it, as it bids its last goodbye.

Can you hear it? 2007 is blowing in the wind.

And, that could very well be the answer, my friend.