With the closing hours of 2008 upon us and a new year just over the horizon a bit of reflection, sentimental or not, gives us a glimpse of things to be thankful for, friends to remember, and hope for changes upcoming.

The world shrunk just a bit smaller for me throughout the year as I ventured across the globe both near and far. Washington, D.C., Switzerland, Thailand, and Peru. Four continents, four capital cities, three amazing countries: Each bestowing images, experiences, and memories that will not soon be forgot.

From Einstein's Haus in Bern to an elephant ride in Chaing Mai to an Incan city lost (and found) in the Peruvian Andes. From Swiss German to Thai to Spanish; from fondu and Champagne in the Swiss Alps to Pad Thai and Chang Beer in Bangkok to Cevechi and Cusqueña overlooking the beautiful coast stretching out from Lima; from the Farmer Room to the elegance of the Marina Phuket to the Gran Hotel Bolivar.

While each destination shifted a country from the "To visit" to the "Want to go back" column, each also imparted a sense of my place in the world and of all of the truly amazing places, people, and sites to see. As Anthony Bourdain states, the more one sees of the world the more one realizes how little we know.

ThreeCircles.net may not be long for this world due to dwindling interest but, for now, it's worth paying tribute to for the role it has played to this point in keeping a small group of friends in contact.

At the end of this year, that has been so difficult for so many across the globe, we especially remember those who are fighting difficult situations and yet who continue on. When we, in our own lives, often fret over the smallest inconvenience, we should not forget that there are those that cherish those "inconvenient" moments because, if even for a fleeting moment, the focus shifts from the larger struggles in their lives. And so, in reflecting back on 2008, we pay a special tribute to them. We let them know that while contact may not be daily, weekly, or even monthly, we're thinking of them; we're hoping for them; and we're thanking them for their friendship.

Hope. Good riddance to "hope" as a catch-all campaign slogan. But, for 2009, hope to the world. Not from some adored god in some mystical form or from one political party over another. Rather hope from one human to another. And another. And another. Regardless of race, religion, belief, language spoken, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and other such non-meaningful categories.

Here's to hope that the United States returns to the beliefs that made the country great. A respect for all people of all nations, not just ours; a respect for human rights and human dignity; and a goal of peace.

Here's to hope that more people than not can have a safe home, food, and employment. Here's to hope that wealth becomes more evenly spread throughout the world. Here's to hope that fewer countries of the world are in turmoil and more are at peace both within their borders and with their neighbors.

Happy New Year.