Well, apart from Absynthe's comment...
I'd say that I'm encouraged about international relations. This because of forums like this one. All of the forums I frequent are an amazing blend of people from so many countries and from all kinds of backgrounds, yet we get along as well as any family could hope for. If *we* can do this, I have hope that even, say, countries with residents who say they "hate Americans" can come to understand not to paint us all with the same brush. We are who we are, and *not* our government.
Same goes for other countries who seem to be the "underdogs" right now. I will trust that people will learn to see past the actions of a few in power and come to know and understand that the whole of a society should not be judged by who is running the country at the moment.
Also, I have hope since, after two "bad" marriages, I am now married to my soulmate and best friend. [img]smile.gif[/img] And, though I've lost my Father this year, my Mother and I are closer than ever and making it through this first tough year without my Dad. We are managing to have some fun and find some comfort and laughter despite being one shy this year.