It’s Wednesday, December 31, 2008 and I’ve officially started a weblog.

I’ve long had the intention…but the inspiration and motivation levels had not yet reached critical mass until I started spending time with Twitter. There are a lot of people there who have a lot to say; the best have learned to say it well within the constraints of a 140 character post. The most interesting also maintain some sort of web log, and my favorites among these have inspired me to flex my own writing muscles. I owe a big shout out to @LilPecan, @barelydiz and my oldest and dearest friend @backwardsflip.

I’m a ‘cuspie‘ – born in 1961 so I’m too young to be a real boomer and too old to be a real gen-xer. This suits me fine as I hike my way into middle age with the foundation of a happy childhood, a wonderful family and a loving, intelligent spouse.

This last year has been my most challenging yet. In the long run it also may become my most significant.

I lost my dad in March. He made it to 80. He battled heart disease for years, and damage from several cardiac events had left him very tired. Even with this struggle he worked until his last day – always keeping busy with the activities that helped him thrive. It’s been a tough road for all of us and I’m learning how a loss this big doesn’t go away. You somehow find a way to rebuild around it, but the empty space will always be there; a repository for the memories and respect and longing.

And while missing Dad has dominated the remainder of ‘08, we have had so many good things come our way. Mom doesn’t drive, so I now put aside Tuesdays and Thursdays for our errands. It’s been good therapy for me to have the time with her and I smile to myself when I remember all the times I assured Dad that I would be there for her.

My wife landed a great gig as an ophthalmic technician. I’ve had time to develop my web startup idea. My little sister embarked on yet another mission to the Middle East and returned safely. My older sister’s daughter married a talented and loyal young man. Mom has carried on with an amazingly positive outlook and a resigned relief that only a caretaker can know.

And what to expect of 2009? I have plenty of good intentions…but knowing the twists and changes ‘08 put us through I’m going to leave them as ‘intentions’ and not be too disappointed if life happens and puts them off for another year.

Happy New Year to all. May it be a year of progress, dialogue and new foundations for all of us.