Another year is almost done, times flys. The year of the Tiger is almost done, still a couple of months by the lunar calendar. It has been full of unexpected items, good and bad. The Bad not so bad, could have been worse. I'm working this year, not spirit filling work, but work. Grateful for that!
We got to travel, Hawaii, Japan, LA, and off to Calistoga for Christmas. LZ's plan, she found a great deal. So it will be good to get away. Brought a new boat with our retirement money, most of what was left of it. It will be a good investment, I still feel.
I'm just back in from walking a friend's dog, another lil mini job. It will help pay for the trip to Calistoga. That is how things are going , a little here and little there. Bits add up.
The walk was pretty nice, checking out the Christmas lights in the Hood. Some are way out there, some are modest. Very strong sense of nostalgia in thoughts of Christmas past. Different places different times. If "God be willing and the creek don't rise", this will be our next to the last Christmas in the states .
One thing that I was reminded of this year, expect more of yourself and less of others. I had a couple of people remind me how little value some put on their word. The guy who pleaded with me to lend him some money for a week , two at the most, so his kids could have some new clothes for school. A year later I'm still waiting... or the ones who said I'll send you these pictures...still waiting @ 8 months...a small thing, but still one's word is one's word. That is all we can really control and have the power to live up to. When one can not be trusted for small things, how can one be trusted for large things...
635 days before leaving, I've pretty much given up hope on my graphic design career. With the economy as it is, my age, sigh, nothing is giving me hope for finding work. Well other than a new birth in Japan. Actually doing music again which is my first joy, plus some sailing instruction, ceramics, Martial Arts and Zen training. It could be a good life in my retirement years.
So for now it is all about hanging in there, with the thought it is all training. Overall it was a good year, the Japan trip was the highlight. Even here was good, got to train with some heartful Kyudo people, my Kung Fu class is settled in with a few good students, good sailing contacts, two places to teach sailing through, a devoted wife, a second Christmas in a nice apt, many things to be thankful about.
Winter solstice has past, and a new cycle begins...shoot well...ganbarimasu...Yosh!
