Most everyone knows I went to Syracuse. However, a little known fact is that two of the most significant people in my life graduated neighboring Colgate University (as did International Breakfast Group Chair Lucas Meyer and my best friend Dr. David Berger). They are Andrew Zelman, my "Super Lawyer"  partner and friend for 41 years and David Klein, my law partner for 14 years and first born son of 45 years.

As I looked through the newspaper on New Year's Day morning, I couldn't help but notice the listing of college football bowl games that would be inundating the television screen during the day and evening. I saw that Northwestern was playing and, since I was home, I put on the TV to watch.

Ester's guest blog spurred my thought process when she spoke about her fears regarding physical conditioning.  I too have resolved myself to overcoming fears in the upcoming year.  I have always considered myself mechanically challenged.  I know it is more an interest and time factor than an aptitude factor because occasionally when I have guidance and motivation, I have actually done some good work (I actually now have become quite adept at sheetrocking and limited spackling after re-doing my first two homes).

Have you seen the video of the young boy, maybe 10 years old, melting down because his mother let him believe he had mistakenly purchased a $50,000 Mustang on the internet? His mother, the videographer, can be heard encouraging the boy's misconception and laughing in the background as he cries "I am going to have to sell everything I own" and his sister offers to share her allowance.

Ester Horowitz posted this inspiration story on Facebook. After reading it, I asked her to allow me to post it as a guest blog for my first blog of 2013. I hope it inspires you.  

We had a baby.  My daughter Hilary the principal gave birth to a little girl on December 30th.  Beth Scarlett Cymrot was born on 12-30 at 12:30 pm, weighing a petite 5 lbs 14 oz.  I have never seen so small a baby. And so cute and sweet.   Being the first grandchild, the start of the next generation, this was new turf.  Thinking of my child as a parent takes some getting used to. So does thinking of me as a grandfather, especially since I have been known to act like a child myself I am sometimes reminded.  How did that happen?  

 

Casting A Rod aside, 13 is our lucky number, eg, we are moving Klein Zelman Rothermel to the 13th floor and Joanne's birthday is 11/13. I had a feeling that the fiscal cliff would work out and sense that the weather will be placid along with the folk. I know for sure we will pull together for the greater Gotham good!Wishing all a prosperous, calm, uneventful and Happy New Year!