Ed, my neighbor next door, is a pessimist! When things turn out bad, he is quick to say, “Things always go from bad to worse.” When circumstances are undeniably good, he insists, “It won’t last!” All December, Ed said, “This good weather…

Ed, my neighbor next door, describes Christmas as his gear down time and New Year’s Eve a full speed forward time. Having applied the brakes to Christmas spending, Ed takes great satisfaction in his annual New Year’s Eve party. It is his…