Most Importantly...

we can't forget the kids. Every holiday season we are inundated with requests from charities and various organizations seeking donations, never without good cause. Every holiday season they tell us "never has it been more needed or more important to these families & children."

I think that for the first time in my adult life this will hold true, home foreclosures are leaving children out in the cold, lost jobs are leaving families hungry, and state budget cuts are leaving less money for safety net services.

Given that I am relatively insulated from financial turmoil (thanks to the Gates Foundation & people who like to drink alcohol) I find it especially important to increase my charitable giving this holiday season. I am a committed fan of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, have just made my 2nd annual purchase of pies from local Food & Friends, and will be scoping out more ways that I can give back to people who make my easy life possible. I encourage everyone who reads this to do the same, whether you buy an ornament on the Giving Tree at your local mall or send an anonymous check to a familiar face, that kindness will go along way to make life seem worthwhile for a lot of people.

That's my inspirational message for the year.