The New Year

Well, the New Year is upon us. 2008 was, 2009 will be, and I was sitting here thinking, all night last night. I didn’t sleep a wink, and I am very tired, but I am at peace. I have a lot to be thankful for.

I have a good woman in my life, she isn’t perfect, and I am far from it, but she is pretty to look at, warm to the touch, and unfolding like the blossom of a magnolia tree, slow, precious, dripping with honey, and exquisite to my eyes.

I have the most wonderful daughter. She is bright and happy, makes me laugh all the time, and warms my heart even when it’s at its coldest. She talks all the time, and rarely lets me sleep in, or even have the bed to myself, but I listen to every word, and I cherish every secret and hug, because she is the most precious gift I have ever been given.

My Mom is one in a thousand, and I know that she learned a lot of what she does from her mother. My Grandma was pretty great, though I never realized that till she was gone. That’s too bad, but I don’t do that with my Mom, she is my egg with legs, and I love her more than ever now that I have a daughter. Strange that I needed a child of my own to understand love, but there you go, strange is what I am.

I have the same friends forever that I have always had, and the same brother (I suppose that never changes). These people have let me share their lives as we grew up, I know all the wives, and have held their children in my arms. If there is something better in life than getting to know your friends as they age let me know what it is, so many of us grow apart, those of us who can stay together just become more precious, like a great wine vintage or cigar series, those that are left are things to be savored.

I have other friends, people that I have worked with for the past 13 years. Most of these people have been great teachers as well as friends, and without the comradeship that they provide, I would be lost. Sally, Jorge, Jesse, Ruben, Danny, Lawrence, Charlie, Kelly, Sajesh, Tim, Sam, Kurt, Stewart, Raoul, Stan, Matt, Braden, Lateesha, Raj, Srivas. These people share part of most days with me, and put up with my crap. Thanks to all of you, without you all I would be lost, truly.

I hope 2009 will see me in my house, built and finished, keep me with the people I look forward to being with, and enable me to grow, or maybe I should say, will give me the opportunity to grow into my dreams.

Peace and Joy to all who read this, Happy New Year!