As this year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on just how much things have changed in the last 12 months.

Or, not.

Because that would be really depressing.

Suffice it to say, this year had its ups and downs, but the overall trend was certainly down. Yes, I was able to go on a wonderful Baltic cruise with the family. But no, I was unable to pay for it myself because my company instituted a 5 percent across-the-board pay cut. (We were, however, given two additional days off to compensate, but I'd rather have had the money. Also, we're not getting the money this year, either. We're also not getting the extra days off.)

This year was one of some new beginnings, as we gained some new members of our family. Sadly, we also lost one. (It's a good thing this decade is over. I'm fresh out of grandparents, and I can't afford to lose anyone else close to me anytime soon.)

The good news is that, overall, my life hasn't changed all that much. The bad news is that, overall, my life hasn't changed all that much.

I have resolved that 2010 will truly be a fresh start. I want to clean out the clutter in my life, and meet some long-overdue goals. Hopefully, one year from now, I will have much to report.

Until then, hold tight, blogosphere. We're in for another wild ride.