And a Happy New Year

OK, Christmas time found me doing family things (as well I should) and not paying attention to timely blog postings...so I promise to do better in 2008. I did notice that most of the other political blogs including those who get paid to blog, slowed down considerably during the holiday period.

2007 was a memorable year and one of those filled with exciting and happy times but also tempered by challenges and sadness. The decision to jump in to the governor's race in late January in many ways set the stage for the months to come. Now almost a year later and thousands of miles traveled and people met, I am convinced that I made the right decision. The challenges are many but the response from friends and strangers alike has sustained me and propelled me forward toward the election ahead. I believe I can and will win. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. Is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of 9 million (and soon to be 12 million) North Carolinians worth the effort? Absolutely.

This past year will also be remembered for friends and family who passed away. My Mom at 98 years of age died in June leaving me a treasury of wonderful memories and great stories to tell. It was the first Christmas (other than when I was overseas in the Army) that I didn't get to spend time with her and that tempered the happy gathering of family this year. 2007 also saw the family dealing, not just with the campaign but with various medical issues giving me a new perspective on health care. My wife has a new titanium hip and is doing great. I experienced a brief hospital stay and two weeks of "self infusion" of antibiotics, while dealing with an elbow infection. (Wish I could blame it on an old pitching injury). But we enter the new year with everyone healthy and ready to hit the campaign trail in the months ahead.

So, I wish each and everyone a happy new year and may it be blessed with good health, generosity toward others and a sense of accomplishment of good things.