A question that I am often asked by people in general is “why do you hope so much?” (Or something to that effect.) As a background, I should mention that I’m a rather reserved person when it comes to social interaction. I try to talk only when I have something intelligent, humorous, or worthwhile to say (a conversation takes all types, I prefer to observe). When I do talk, I don’t think it’s fair to say that I’m optimistic. I do believe that I’m fairly realistic – I try not to let my…