Opening Salvo 2012

It's been a rather quiet week for me and very much up-and-down. Even though I'm not doing that much, it seems I am busier than ever. Just trying to catch up on things that weren't really happening in December 2011. To be honest, it was quite depressing the way things were ending. My aunt was in the hospital after suffering a stroke (not good) and I went up to see her. She gets out of the hospital this week (Friday 1/13) and into a nursing home. She's still paralyzed but much better than she was.
Then there's my job. Wow, where do I begin about that?! Ha ha. I knew that the drive was going to be an issue and wow, is it ever. An hour one-way is still an hour one-way. I drive almost 3,000 miles a month now. I was looking for a new car before and I'm just hoping it can make it a few more months. That's not to say there aren't perks. My coworkers are very down-to-earth and I get the occasional free lunch. Who would have thought a mighty fine falafel was in Belleville, IL? However, I don't think we're all on the same page. When you are a small place, everyone needs to work together-and that doesn't happen as much as I'd like, or needs too. As, I haven't lied to a client in over 15 years and I sure as heck am not about to start now. That's a slippery slope that you can never win once you've started it.
In other news, Chinese New Year (year of the dragon) is on my birthday. Talk about a weird coincidence. I used to know the lunar calendar/formula to calculate the day but forgot it. It's weird because when I was born, the new year was a week afterwards. So, I really don't have a clear-cut sign. I will say, it's been lucky for me. And I did buy a powerball ticket. Now is not the time to leave a stone un-turned...baby needs more than a new pair of shoes.

2012. The beginning of the end.

Good evening all. Well, I hope you made it to 2012 alright without too many bruises and bumps. I must admit, 2011 wasn't all that kind to me so I am ready to start a new year. My lack of a current calendar not withstanding. No, I'm not going to rattle off a bunch of resolutions. As those tend to be forgotten and any real meaningful change is going to be difficult and take more than just a few days. That being said, I am looking forward to it. Not to mention, Chinese new year is on my birthday this year (the 23rd, for those that didn't know)! Kind of exciting and also kind of weird. Chinese new year rotates on the lunar cycle. I used to know the exact formula but it's not all that random and not every day can become a chinese new year's day. Not to make anyone jealous. :oD