Tis the season when all my Jewish friends send the annual bulk e-mail to everyone in their contact list.  Rest assured, I will not do that to you, my dear friend <Your Name Here>.  5768 was a GREAT year, possibly the best of my life, and 5767 was a tough act to follow.  In 5767 I traveled across the US in a most unorthodox manor—hitchhiking.  I modernized the stereotype of the wandering Jew, and had an amazing experience.  I celebrated the high holidays in DC with my friend Ada , and met Tom and Karolina, who just visited last month.  5767 was also the year where I got the best girlfriend ever.

In 5768, Susie and I wandered throughout Eastern Europe and Turkey .  The best girlfriend ever became my fiancé (Late May 2009 is a likely date).  We both got great jobs; science writing and editing for Susie, and a political campaign and technology training design for me.  In 5768 many of our friends had children, which should take the pressure off us (right Dad?).  Many of our friends let us stay in their houses while we looked for work, and got our lives in “order”.  We owe Bonnie and Jason, and my brother Josh and sister in law Sara—a debt that can never be paid.  Seriously…I can’t afford to pay you guys.  Sorry.

In 5768 we got a very nice apartment, and with our lack of worldly possessions and low expenses, we enter 5769 full of happiness and hope.  We also have more of a roadmap through the future than either of us ever knew we wanted!

My only regret moving forward is the end of our “fringe” lifestyle…the American mainstream beckons, and while confident we will not loose our wide angle perspective, bourgeois complacency is the friendliest foe I have ever met.

5769 begins with financial markets in turmoil--I understand that the next year will be distressing for many of us.  Remember how lucky we are to live where and when we live…even with a crash (and as a tech contractor, I will be at the front of the unemployment line), America affords us liberty and comfort that was unimaginable only 50 years ago.  While many of us are justifiably concerned about issues of governance, keep in mind that even that concern is a privilege that few people on this planet have.

Finally, it has been far too long since I have seen you, my good <Friend/Relative/Bastard-child>.  We have an extra room and an inflatable mattress, and we live two blocks from Portland ’s light-rail.  Come visit!

Say hello to <Significant Other/Pet/Mother>.

L’Shanah Tovah!