Today it is tradition to wish everyone a happy new year. It is also a time of reflection and a time for remembrance.

The song for auld lang syne is the tradition that brings back the most memories of this time of year.

So for starters here are my wishes. I wish you all a Joyous and exciting year. My wish for you is that the best times of 2008 equal your worst times in 2009. My wish is that every goal and dream you have for 2009 is realised.

I have reflected upon many things in the last weeks and have come to many conclusions. First of all I am aware of my many faults. My impetuosity or passion can have negative percussions, My poor use of vocabulary and the fact that I don’t use smilies because I don’t do happy bunny stuff leads to many disagreements.

My stubborn streak and refusal to accept authority from the clinically brain dead lead me into many a situation where the masters of the universe silence my dissent rather than make any meaningful input. Too many people will just shut up and walk away. I am not one of those.

You see, those same faults make me a better person, My Passion for justice, truth and equality means that I will stand up and be counted when an injustice occurs. My dissent will make people sit up and take notice. My stubborn refusal to shut and go away will prevent people from using others as door mats.

Now Its time for remembrance. I am thankful for all the people that have entered my life, passed by like ships in the night and have hugely affected my perceptions.

I am not going to name all the blokes from Bloemfontein by name, the ones that destroyed my previous misconceptions, The ones that proved beyond a shadow of doubt that there was hope for South Africa. The ones that reached out and embraced me, the ones that broke bread with me. The guys from Ekurlenhi that had an impromptu facebook session on the first night.

I want to mention by name Sipho from Secunda who hitched to Bloemfontein because he knew something momentous was going down and he wanted to be a part of it. I want to mention my friend Sikota that made me feel like I was needed. I want to mention Welcome and Mandla who travelled back with me, who also gave me courage and lots of joy.

I want to talk about my roomie, John Henry Holloway, Boy does he saw trees. I think chain saws are quieter. My friend and compatriate Teboho Theoha who is about to become a Daddy. There was Lourens Oosthuisen who has tought me much.

I was honoured to meet Phillip Dexter, Lynda Oodendal, Mbhazima Shilowa, Mosioua Lekota,Khaya, Loyiso and Sixolisa. I met Nils Flaten, Wes and many others. All of these people have impacted my life, Many creating joy, some destroying that by being oppressive and failing to understand certain principals.

Theres the team from Mpumalanga, Sizile, Bucks, Zali, Willie, Buks, Lucky, Jabu, Sbu, Patrick

I also met via the interweb such people as Coenie, Sabelo, Liansky, Jose, Cobus, David, Nox, Tatiana, Tasmyn Sentletse and Mpho. These people inspire me.

I want to mention Lynne, Peta and David, Nheville, Sharon, Jock You guys are awesome. My family also deserves a remembrance.

To all my clients, I remember you as well

My Blogging buddies, My blogging acquaintances who made this year a lot more interesting. Thank you one and all.

Then there are those that I wish just slipped by like ships in the night.

And then there is my wife, my lover, my partner, my rock.. I look forward to another 20 years in your company. There are my children, Angus and Jen without whom life would be so much emptier. No dad could be prouder.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.

All my love

Guy