Welcome to the new year! Unlike last year when I had the day off, this time I was on call. Although I did not feel the transition from one year to the next (it was just another day), I managed to slip a “happy new year” greeting either at the beginning or end of my first conversations of the day. Some patients reacted with a pleasant response, but for most, it was another reminder that they were in the hospital during this festive time. Just as 2008 rapidly approached, a lot of patients were strongly negotiating to be discharged. I cannot blame them. I myself would much prefer to be at home, but the work must go on 24 hours a day, 365.5 days a year. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) does not keep a watch. And there is the deluge of trauma, intoxication, congestive heart failure, pancreatitis, reactive airway disease, etc. that roll in after a night of dietary (or drug) indiscretion. In any case, I love what I do and will gladly serve these needs. It was just another day, but it is now a new year. Happy new year!