Prison-bound Blagojevich: "I will see you around"

(CBS News) Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich held a final news conference less than one day before heading to prison.

A confident Blagojevich told reporters outside his home Wednesday that he is "on the right side of the law" and is appealing his case. He said he has "great trust" in the outcome.

"This is a country governed by the rule of law," Blagojevich told the throng of reporters. "We have great trust in this appeal."

Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois legislature in 2009 after being arrested for allegations of corruption. Two trials resulted in his conviction on 18 criminal counts, including on charges accusing him of trying to sell President Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.

His wife stood by his side but was on the verge of tears as the former governor spouted a laundry list of his accomplishments during governor.

He also offered a lesson in family values: "We are teaching our kids that in hard times and tears you got to live in your hopes, not in your fears."

He said the hard times are not over but that they will get better.

"It is the beginning of another part of our long and hard journey that will only get worse before it gets better," he said.

His final words before heading back into his home for his last night of freedom: "I will see you. I will see you around."