Happy new year, everybody!!!

The joyous celebration of the holiday season had once again passed... too quickly to some, too long to others. Nevertheless, I think, we are one in saying goodbye to the past and hello to the present.

After the revelry, I found myself back in my room, feeling all alone. For a moment, I forgot what the celebration was all about -- I forgot the loud music, the firecrackers, the food, the smiles and laughter, the snapshots, the gifts, the dancing, and the drinking. I was all alone, sitting on my bed, thinking of the same things as yesterday's. How can I ever say goodbye to the past? The thoughts that haunted me, that caused me pain, that made me cry a river. Letting go, a friend once told me, is not trying to free others but rather, freeing myself. I wonder if I ever will let go... of the happy memories and of the love.

I am hoping that come January 4, everything will be back to normal. Classes will resume and I will, perhaps, find myself again buried in tons of work. I am willing to suffer this fate, if only to help me forget.

I am looking forward to seeing my students again -- those friendly faces that never failed to make me smile; those innocent minds that never failed to spark an inspiration from within me; those young individuals that I had always considered to be my life.

I am looking forward to 2006. Hey, for 2005, I had lost a battle, but not the war. I may have lost a love, but I am sure I gained a friend...

See you soon!