1. I make no resolution.

No. I haven't for years and it works. I want to tell you this is the guaranteed non-fail New Year's resolution. Guilt edged.

So just let me tell you how it feels to be in 2008. The sun is shining. De boids is singing. And the politicians are all on holiday. Funnily enough last night, on a boat cruise on Sydney Habour, together with an American Family, we traversed the calm waters of festivity, watching the themed evening's proceedings of "The Festival of Light". Culminating in a magnificent firework display encompasing the whole of the city skyline, set to music. It was indeed a festival of light. Boats lit up with festoons of lights delineating their shapes, significant years in the life of planet earth in relationship to Australianisms such as the most significant Australian invention since the electric lawnmower and the rotating clothesline...

VEGEMITE.

You have to be born an Aussie, although some Americans and other 'foreigners' have been known to succumb to it's little temptation. This is a black goo of vegetable 'extract', spread over toast. Many a pudgy rosy infant cheek has glistened with this goo which is carried in moi's luggage overseas like a flask of water in a desert.

We also made a decision in this summeresque part of the world. We will be buying 'shiny new barbecue'. The old one needs upgrading.

Last night we left the boat and travelled home with one million people. Surprisingly it was well ordered, well behaved, and happened quite fast. Traditionally I hate crowds but last night it seemed to be 'right'. Part of the atmosphere of the evening. The last time I enjoyed the crowd for the same reason was during the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney. We had actually contemplated at that time that we'd evacuate Sydney for a safe haven overseas. We didn't. And I am so glad. Instead we enjoyed the atmosphere of comraderie. People liked each other. There was no road rage. If you didn't have some sort of tag around your neck and not involved you were almost to be pitied. Volunteers helped little old ladies across roads, and popped the odd coin into an overdue parking meter.

One day I should tell you about the wonderful catered evening I spent watching the field events. In the meantime, for those of you who read this...

Happy New Year. May your resolutions be simple. May your ambitions be reached. May your 2008 rhyme with great!