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New Year's resolution to enjoy work and play

I resolve to enjoy both work and play in 2009.

Transcript

As each year passes, I become more aware of my age and my mortality. New Year's Day is a good time to be grateful for life, to reflect on the past year, and to set some goals for the future.

In 2008 my New Year's resolution to promote youth media was partly successful. Students did not produce audio programs, but their essays and Web pages show increasing awareness and knowledge of important issues. A few students have made very interesting and creative Web sites. These changes follow naturally from my 2007 New Year's resolution to promote information freedom.

Sometimes I became frustrated with students' behavior in 2008, but they've taught me an important lesson about enthusiasm for life. It's a real pleasure to know these young people, and their exuberance inspires my New Year's resolution for 2009:

I resolve to enjoy both work and play in 2009.

I'll continue to promote freedom of information and youth media, but I resolve to work with more joy and to show a more positive attitude to students and colleagues.

I'll also keep reminding myself that work isn't everything. I've always enjoyed outdoor activities, but for quite a few years I was not very active except in summer. Last year I got back into cycling, and it's been very good for me. In the last ten months, since early March, I've put more than 1500 kilometers on my touring bike. Now I'm in pretty good shape. This year I'd like to pedal at least 2000 kilometers and continue to enjoy life.