As we come upon the New Year...

[Lady Freedom Returns]

What are some of your wishes and hopes for the new year? Any goals that that you wish to achieve or maybe some that will come to fruition the coming year?

[a la izquierda]

1. I hope I get the grant I applied for...

so that I can finish the research for my book. If I get it, I'll go to Mexico, Germany, and Spain for May-August.

I also hope I learn how to be more honest with myself and everyone else.

Happy New Year LFR. I hope 2014 is very good to you.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

2. Hope it come in too!

Ah! Das Vaterland im Mai! I have heard that is the time to go!

[a la izquierda]

14. Thanks...

I will be there to witness the World Cup (though that's in Brazil this time around).
I'll be sure to work quickly during the day so I can watch the games in the evening That should make for a good time!

[IrishAyes]

12. Break a leg.

[a la izquierda]

15. Thanks! nt

[femmocrat]

3. Beautiful picture, LFR.

How are you doing? You certainly had an eventful year!

2013 was a bad year for us. I am hoping for a much better 2014. I plan to retire in June, so things are looking promising already!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

4. Congratulations on your retirement!

Hope you get to do some traveling and relaxing!

Got some footing now! And some big plans in store for 2014!

[femmocrat]

5. Thank you!

And I hope all your plans work out splendidly!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

6. I think they will.

It is said that Archimedes once mentioned if someone was to “Give me (Archimedes) a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world.”

Well, I have a place to stand!

[Locut0s]

7. I hope to move out and finally start a life of my own...

Got quite a lot of emotional crap and healing to work through.

I don't see it happening right away but I hope some time in 2014.

[elleng]

8. We see it happening for you, Locut0s!!!

[LiberalEsto]

17. Amen to that, ellen!

[Locut0s]

19. Thank you guys!..

It's strange an pathetic that I have so much trouble seeing getting there right now. Since quitting my medication I've been on an emotional roller coaster. Like someone has pulled back on a taught string and let go I ricochet between utter despair to somewhat optimistic on a daily basis. It's hard to take.

First thing is first though. Once jan starts I've got to get out Resume shopping. Look into volunteer work too.

Again thanks for the support Esto and Ellen!

I hope the new year brings joy and progress to you too!

[LiberalEsto]

20. Thank you, LocutOs!

Sometimes it helps to do some sort of symbolic ritual.

For example, writing down the things you want to eliminate in your life on pieces of paper, then burning them in a fireplace or other suitable location, like an outdoor firebowl, or a candle set in a place where sparks can't set other things on fire.

The UU congregation I belong to does this traditionally on the last Sunday of the year. We call it the "Burning Bowl".

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear Lady Freedom Returns...

I'm hoping that my left shoulder surgery will be entirely successful (the way the right shoulder was) so that I can live pain-free at last!

I have some good friends who are fighting for better paying jobs, and I want them to succeed...

And I have one good friend who is fighting chronic illness. I want him to get well!

All my best to you this coming year......you have been through so much and it's time that you had real success.

[femmocrat]

10. Peggy...

Sorry, I didn't know about your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted, OK?

s and best wishes for a successful outcome!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Thank you, my dear femmocrat...

I will be posting about it when we get a bit closer...

Thank you, sweetie!

[LiberalEsto]

18. I hope your surgery goes perfectly, Peggy

and your shoulder is pain-free, and stays that way.

[IrishAyes]

13. That's about the best horse picture I've ever seen.

Basically I wish health and happiness to everyone. For myself, I'd love to finish fixing my house in time to enjoy it that way for a long, long time. Then it goes to charity when I no longer need it... when I slip my surly bonds and so forth. Other than that, I'm amazed at how much less it takes to content me than even a few years ago. I still pine after Liam Neeson now and then, but otherwise.... so long as I can stay out of the hospital or nursing home or jail or debt and I have a secure roof over my head with enough to eat and read and people to talk to when I want, and my dogs are well and happy, the rest can wait. I do admit to having finally bought an Amanna dishwasher earlier this month, and then a nice Frigidaire stove a few days ago... both on terrific sale, of course.

[LiberalEsto]

16. I wish one daughter & her significant other would get engaged in 2014

and I wish I could the other one into counseling.

I wish my husband could find a better IT job with fewer crazy hours.

As for me, I hope to continue not being as severely depressed as I was in 2012 and previous years.