This was a year for the record books. "Change" was the word of the day for over 300 days in a row. The past eleven and a half months were a lesson in the contrast between abysmal and exhilarating. The year is drawing to a close at last and as we bid adieu to 2008, we welcome the dawn of a new era in our collective history. It is a fitting time for an inventory of what is "out" and what is "in" as we begin 2009. I am crossing my fingers like everyone else that the next Baby New Year is a bundle of joy and a lot less colicky than 2008. I am tempted to take off my shoes and toss them at the back of the departing year’s head! But that would be so 2008 of me..... Here’s the list:
| OUT |
IN |
| The seven deadly sins: Pride, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Anger, Greed, and Sloth |
The seven heavenly virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Courage, Faith, Hope, and Love |
| Law firm parking garages filled with luxury cars and SUV’s |
Riding the bus, zip cars, and bicycles
|
| Fourteen hour days at the office in a suit |
Twelve hour days working from home in your gym clothes (minus the two hour commute) |
| Premium billing rates |
Competitive billing rates |
| Paper holiday cards and gift baskets |
E-cards and charitable donations |
| Shopping at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue |
Shopping at Target and Walmart |
| General Practice Areas |
Niche Practice Areas |
| Large Raises and Fat Bonuses |
Having a Job |
| Suspenders with Bulls on them |
Corporate executives outside Starbuck’s begging for lattes |
| Bashing the President |
Supporting the President |
| McMansions in the suburbs |
Downtown condos in revitalized neighborhoods |
| Expensive vacations |
Local site seeing and public golf courses |
| Dumping toxic waste |
Picking up trash |
| Worshiping Money |
Conversations with God |
| Partisan Division |
Cross Party Cooperation |
| The crush of large firms merging into “mega” firms |
Mid-size specialty or boutique spin-offs |
| Looking Out for Number One |
Teamwork and Altruism |
| Fast talking, bet the farm deals |
Fiscal responsibility and corporate discipline |
| Consumer Debt |
Savings Accounts |
| 2008 |
2009 |
Is it New Year’s Eve yet? Best Wishes for the holidays and an abundant and enjoyable 2009.
