So the carefully wrapped gifts are all unwrapped, the returns of the unwanted gifts have started and we are looking forward to the New Year and reflecting back on the old.

What should we or could we have done differently this past year? Regrets? What should we leave in the past? Forgive and forget? And was it a year to remember?

In terms of world events it was an eventful year environmentally speaking. There were record breaking droughts and wildfires but in other areas record breaking flooding. The world was rocked by numerous earthquakes including the “big one” that caused the massive tsunami in Japan. Volcanoes all around the world were very active in 2011.

2011 also brought us the British Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Katherine AKA Kate Middleton. In addition this past year brought about the end of the U.S. space shuttle era.

For me 2011 was probably my most traveled year ever, including two of my most favorite trips, “Bucket List” trips, Kenya and Rarotonga/Aitutaki.

Reflecting back now gives us about a week to think of resolutions for 2012 besides the usual...

stop smoking, lose weight and save money. What about learning a foreign language, or taste a food from a different ethnic group or maybe complete one item on your bucket list? The New Year gives us a new chance or opportunity to improve on ourselves and the world around us.