Merry Christmas Everyone!

First of all, let me just say that this has been one crazy year. Just think about where you were a year ago. When it comes to the FVWBL members almost every one of you has gone through some kind of major change. For example:

· A couple of our finest players changed schools
· A couple of you left the seminary
· Two of you turned 21
· One lost his wisdom
· One of you is engaged
· One of you is in Rome, another has been there and is going back
· One of you is heading to the Nile
· A couple of you cut a considerable amount of hair off of your head (no, you're not the only one, Dave)
· One of you made your college baseball debut

To go with those personal events, there were other memorable moments. The FVWBL's favorite baseball team, the Minnesota Twins made the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Pro-lifers invaded the Senate to take control of the big three -- the presidency, House and Senate. Corruption hit corporations and Olympic skating. A couple guys managed to kill ten people and injure three others before they were finally caught sleeping with their rifle at a Maryland rest-stop.

All of that, and some things just won't change no matter how hard we try. We still can't beat Dave in bowling. We can't figure out when Katie is lying or telling the truth (I know that at least I took the believe-nothing stance until this whole hair-chopping incident came about). We can't plan a wiffle event without the aide of the ladies.

We can't wipe that smile of Jackie's face and Shelly won't stop saying, "Who knows?" (although in both cases we are lucky for the steadfast)

Four of us are graduating in the upcoming year (and you can say "finally" for two of us). It's difficult to tell what the future has in store for the FVWBL. More importantly, it's difficult to tell what the future has in store for our friendships.

Whatever the future holds, I'm thankful for "so far."

Merry Christmas to each of you.

-Judd