Andrew Chan

And so we begin 2009. 

As I celebrated New Years Eve, I couldn’t help but feel the relief from everyone around that 2008 was coming to a close, and the new year was about to be ushered in with renewed hope and enthusiasm. 

The roller coaster ride that was 2008 left the world reeling, and it finally came to a close.  Having been to many NYE parties, the countdown to the last 10 seconds of the year was always shouted down with the vigor of a 7 year old child.  But perhaps it was the people I was partying with last night (most of who appeared to be from the financial industry), the countdown this year certainly felt different and the relief could almost be heard as they expelled every last breath of the countdown.

Will this euphoria last, or will we be brought back to earth (once we get over our hangovers) like a thud from a sledgehammer? 

What ever happens, good luck and the very best for 2009!