Julie Barrett is a freelance writer and photographer based in Plano, TX.

So This is 2009

Fresh when it gets here from Julie Barrett
Thursday, January 1, 2009


I'll be uploading the traditional streamer picture later today. First, I have to wake up.

My general condition today has less to do with partying than it does with a bunch of TMI stuff about being at what is so delicately called "a certain age." I wasn't going to get any sleep last night under the best of circumstances.

So we watched the plastic people celebrate at Times Square. Seriously. Was there anyone on that special that hadn't had their skin stretched, their eyebrows lifted, their tummy tucked, and/or their boobs enhanced? I kept half expecting an implant to go BOOM at midnight.

We were bored. We watched the binary clock count down and then turned up the sound the last minute for the official countdown. Then we decided to watch Blackadder Back and Forth. Second best thing we did all evening. The kiss was the best.

So, what do I have to look forward to this year? I'm not sure if it's going to be a better year for me in terms of work. I'm just going to keep plugging away and hope for the best. I'm working very hard on trying to quit obsessing with the things that are out of my hands and concentrate on the things I can do something about. I can't make the economy turn around. I couldn't make a large client stay afloat and keep using my services. Yet, I can work on my own skill set and explore new options

None of these are resolutions as they're ongoing. The only thing approaching a resolution is that I want to get my taxes filed earlier this year. Of course, I can't file until some folks send all the dang paperwork, but I can be ready to go when it comes in.

So, am I optimistic about the incoming administration? Yes and no. Again, I'm being a realist. I keep hearing about relief for the middle class, and that's just one thing I'll believe if I ever see it. Campaign promises are one thing; attempting to fulfill those promises is another; and it is yet another thing to get meaningful reform through the current system. I do believe the incoming administration would like to accomplish these reforms, but they're going to be up against Congress and lobbyists and the political/money machine. And, to be honest, a lot has changed since the election. The realist in me says that we have to cover all those bailout billions. I suspect the new administration is going to have to come in and try to repair some of the idiot rules regarding the bailout - like the utter lack of promised transparency and the big bonuses going to the people behind the massive screwups - before they can get down to other business.

So, I hope you have a good new year. I'd wonder if things could get much worse, but that would be wrong. ;-)

Tags:

Filed under: Life            

  2  Comments
 

Comments are closed
Gravatar
David H. said:
Yeah, we skipped the broadcast from Times Square stuff, too. My 12 yr old son and I ended up watching Miyazaki movies until midnight instead - NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind and Howl's Moving Castle.
Date: 1/2/2009 9:31:35 AM Date: 1/2/2009 9:31:35 AM

Gravatar
David H. said:
Yeah, we skipped the broadcast from Times Square stuff, too. My 12 yr old son and I ended up watching Miyazaki movies until midnight instead - NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind and Howl's Moving Castle.
Date: 1/2/2009 9:31:35 AM Date: 1/2/2009 9:31:35 AM





Comments: Add yours!


Search the Journal:

  

Search Tags:




Events and Appearances:
Looks like I don't have any events on the horizon. Would you like me to attend yours? Contact me!
All