God, I hope so!

2011 was filled with so many highs and lows, not only in my life, but in the world in general.  What will 2012 bring?

Our troops are coming home from the far corners of the globe.  Lets not forget about them or their sacrifice.  They deserve our gratitude.  They are returning to the States and for many, their civilian jobs.  If they still exist.

Remember their service.  Hire the vet.

Economists are promising gas prices will hit $5.00 by summer.  People are barely eking by as is, how will we afford to fuel our vehicles, the farmers their equipment?  Freight costs will rise causing higher prices for the consumer. What fresh hell will this bring to the economy.

Washington has forgotten the little man, the ones they have sworn to serve.  We go into another election year filled with promises that will be unfulfilled.

Do I sound pessimistic?  I am.  I can only change my own life...and sometimes, not even that.

For me, I plan to finish and get published at least one book this year.  I've had to scale back due to my workload, but I think I can manage one.  Which one remains undecided.  My current WIP is a mystery rather than a romance.  I've never tried my hand at mystery before, although I've certainly read enough of them.

I see 2012 as a "do over"...an opportunity for change and self discovery..

How do you see it?
 
 
2011 has brought many changes for me, most good, some...not so much.  I got a job, a divorce, two manuscripts published, a new guy in my life. A few months ago, I changed jobs.I love the new job, the people I work with and the customers I see daily.  I also love the pay.

So where's the bad ,you might ask. 

I liked the people at my old job too.  I miss them and the new job hasn't allowed me time to visit.  I work LOTS of hours.  The new guy decided I didn't float his boat.  The worst part has been, I haven't had time to write.

I have a mild form of OCD and when I write I tend to exclude everything else.   That  task orientation is great, but not when you have to work around a 45 hour week.  (But my boss loves me!) I am learning to adapt.

Last week I spent one of my days off, cleaning and doing domestic stuff, on  the other--I WROTE!  All freaking day!  I wrote 7500 words.  Good words!  Now if I can just manage to continue in that vein I should have my first draft completed in about three months.  Yea, me!

So that is my plan for the New Year.  I don't make resolutions.  I will continue to adapt and grow as a person and a writer.  What are your plans?

Now on the subject of Christmas...

I, like many others, will be alone this holiday season.  I'm used to it but that doesn't mean I like it.  I don't want sympathy, I'm trying to make a point.  As you hustle about buying gifts for friends and family, please pause to think of those less fortunate.  Sure it's great to give to the needy, those unseen faces.

But, what about those you  know.

What about the widow or widower who lives down the street?  The one who talks your ear off when you meet at the mail box.  Did you know they do so because they're lonely?  Their children live in another state and never visit?  The next time you think your ear will fall off if they say one more word, you might give them the gift of tolerance.  It's a little thing for you that might mean the world to them.

The shy child, who looks longingly at you when you play ball with your kids.  Have you thought to invite them to join the game?  Maybe his/her parents aren't around much, or at all.  As a kid I adopted my friends families because I didn't have one of my own.  I wheedled my way in...and they let me.  I've never forgotten the way they included me or them.

You kids out there, young and old, when was the last time you spoke to your mom or dad?  When did you tell them you loved them?  When did you visit last?

We are all so caught up in our own little universe we sometimes forget the very ones who brought us into the world.  Without them we would not be.  Show a little gratitude, kindness and love.

Charity does begin at home.

Merry Christmas all.  Have a bright and wonderful New Year.