Wow. 2008 What a year it has been. It has been a year of change, opportunity, some sad goodbyes and some bright greetings. This year I have really leaned on my family and friends for support and every one of you came through. You know who you are, and I love you all.

Here comes 2009. This is an important year for us all. New Year is always a time for reflection, and I think back to the incredible progress we have all made in the Open Source and Free Software world. Ten years ago I could barely get a graphical interface to work in Linux, and just look at where we are today. But this year we need to knock the ball out of the park. We are teetering on the edge of great things, and 2009 holds the opportunity for us all to reach those heady heights. A few weeks back [I talked about our ethos](https://archivedblog.jonobacon.com/2008/12/19/the-ubuntu-ethos/) and it is this ethos that is going to continue to help us make 2009 another great year for Ubuntu and Open Source and Free Software.

Wherever you are, have a happy and safe New Year. Salut!