For days already I have this feeling that 2009 could actually become a quite nice year! Yes, I have read, seen and heard all the bad news and announcements of even worse news. I know the economy is entering a tough time all over the world. I know there are still too many wars out there and I know the world is still full of terrorists and pirates and other people you definitely do not want to meet. Yes, I am worried about the climate, pollution, sea level rise etc etc etc. And still, I can not help to feel not that bad at all personally. I see some nice challenges ahead for 2009 in my little personal life. In my work: attracting more students to the small-but-beautiful masters I am the director of, attracting more funds for research, improving my management skills (yes you also need those at university), but above all that enjoying my work a bit more again! A bit less obligations, a bit more opportunities? In my personal life, the usual things to look forward to like new traveling adventures, but also socialising a bit more in my new hometown Alkmaar. I have the nice perspective of once more becoming an uncle in March, so I am looking forward to saying hi to my new nephew or niece too. And who knows, I will finally meet the girl of my dreams? It would be about time... Well, let's first celebrate the new year with a great dinner and party in Amsterdam (ehh... so much for socialising a bit more in Alkmaar... I will start with that after New Year then...), and then see what is in store for me in 2009. I guess I'm ready for it. I wish all those who read this a great new year!