I am on occasion razzed (or take some flak) for ‘always being negative’. My reply is that it is not that I am negative but that politicians, government and bureaucracies demonstrate a profound capacity for accomplishing negative outcomes or actions and that where praise is due I bestow it.

Since there were several items that ended 2010 on an upbeat note I thought I would kick off 2011 with those items.

Swimming laps on a (almost) daily basis is a necessary part of my mental and physical wellness plan.

Which is why I give two big thumbs way up to the person (or persons) responsible for the Abbotsford parks and recreation program that will enable those of us who need to make frequent use of the recreation centre’s facilities for exercise and wellness to purchase a year pass even if our budgets do not enable us to pay for it in one large lump sum.

Excellent news to end 2010 on – Kudos and Thanks.

I found myself stopping at the Wave Pool on Clearbrook Road to snap a few pictures of the growing hole in the ground as construction of the supportive, affordable housing complex for women and children began.

With the growing need in Abbotsford for properly managed and healthy affordable housing the ground breaking for this project was a positive end to 2010.

On a negative note, and what would the end of 2010 be without a demonstration of politician/government/bureaucracy non-think?

I sent a Christmas card to a relative in Kent Institution in Agassiz and as I do with all personal correspondence used sealing wax and signet to sign the card. December 31, 2010 brought the now opened card back to me. The reason cited for the return has me pondering whether a major contributor to Abbotsford, BC and Canada being in such dire straits is that prolonged exposure to bureaucracy causes brain damage.

‘Unknown Substance’? Exactly how badly damaged does ones mental capacity have to be not to be able to recognize wax, especially wax that has been impressed with a signet? As Homer Simpson would say “Doh!”

The question of why they did not simply cut the offending Seal off and deliver the card to the addressee in time for Christmas comes to mind, but I suppose you really do not want someone who cannot recognize wax or a wax seal playing with scissors.

Still, all in all 2010 ended well – and should Santa have brought politicians, bureaucrats and prison authorities an abundant sized stocking stuffed with common sense, careful consideration, thoughtful decision making, sound judgment and appropriate priorities this trend could extend into 2011.

**This statement of good wishes (”Greeting”) from me (”Sender”) is intended to be generic in nature. “Holiday” is intentionally left an undefined term. This holiday may include, but not be limited to, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, Saturnalia, or even Elvis’ Birthday (”Elvis” is a registered trademark of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Memphis, TN). Further, the recipient of this greeting (”Receiver”), may insert his or her own holiday into this Greeting, either explicitly or implicitly, or no holiday at all, if he or she chooses. If Receiver celebrates no holidays during the intended period of Greeting, assumed to be roughly mid-December, 2007 through the first week in January, 2008 (”Greeting Period”), he or she may consider Greeting to be merely general, and a simple wish of good feelings and joy, suitable for any time of year, or no time at all.

Greeting should in no way be construed to guarantee or warrant happiness or other good feelings during Greeting Period, or warrant or guarantee an acceptable holiday. By accepting Greeting, Receiver expressly agrees that he or she assumes the risk for his or her own holiday. Receiver will hold Sender harmless should Receiver’s expectations for Greeting Period and wishes contained herein not coincide.

Greeting is at all times subject to withdrawal by Sender, and it may be cancelled or modified at any time, without notice to Receiver. In the event of cancellation, Receiver shall receive no credit or proration for any time left in Greeting Period.

Greeting is not intended to be transferable, and has no cash value. Under no circumstances may Receiver in any way alter Greeting, or publish Greeting directly or indirectly without express written permission of Sender. Permission may be withheld for any reason within the sole discretion of Sender, with no rule of reasonableness.

Should Receiver not accept the terms of Greeting listed above, no rights or benefits related to Greeting will accrue.

Should a dispute arise from Greeting, Receiver agrees that jurisdiction and venue will be in the courts of the BRECKENRIDGE ZONE Sender and Receiver agree that personal jurisdiction will lie in those courts, regardless of the location of either party. Greeting will be construed under the laws of the BRECKENRIDGE ZONE without regard to Choice of Law or Renvoy.