What this Dragon learned in the Year of the Rat...

Wow...it's December 31st already! I don't know about anyone else, but this past December felt like it didn't happen at all. I'm sitting in my kitchen, on this, my 33rd New Year's Eve...me and my Baby Daddy just feasted on lobster and salad; BB1 is in bed, and Mr. Marley is snoring at my feet as I type this. We don't have plans to go out tonight; in fact, I'm already in my pyjamas. I'm very relaxed, and ready to usher out 2008 and welcome 2009 in this very peaceful state of mind. 

According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Year of the Rat is the first sign of the 12 cycles in the Chinese calendar. Apparently, in the Year of the Rat, we can typically expect 12 months of plentiful opportunities and prospects not to mention relatively little turbulence (noteworthy especially if you're planning to make some long-term investments, starting new projects, etc.). Also, it's a great time to socialize and grab a sumptuous meal (or many!) with family or friends. Guess the ancient prophecies were a wee bit off for 2008. No need to get into much detail, but this past year, from a business perspective was extremely turbulent. I work for one of the "Big 3" insurance companies here in Canada, and we were advised shortly before Christmas that the company  is implementing a hiring freeze, not granting any pay increases for anyone in 2009, and will be 'trimming the fat', so to speak (not jobs, but the extras like travel, excessive office supplies, etc.). This is so not the direction I wanted this blog to go tonight. Re-directing...

So, what did I learn this year? Here's a list, in no particular order:

1. Don't get too attached to things you buy in stores. Especially when there are babies or dogs in your home who unintentionally ruin things on a regular basis (1 pair of running shoes, 1 pair of Lululemon yoga pants, 2 books, 1 flip-flop, 1 Subway sandwich, 1 ball cap...but who's counting, right Marley?)

2. When/If you have a child, you WILL turn into one of those parents who gush endlessly. 

3. People understand and don't judge you if your toddler has a bruise-covered face.

4. Your marriage is your number one priority. No exceptions.

5. Heath Ledger died much too young. 

6. Barack Obama is going to change his country, and the World will follow.

7. Colorado is just as beautiful as I remembered from 1988.

8. Being skinny does not mean you're healthy and balanced - usually the exact opposite.

9. My husband swept me off my feet as my once-boyfriend, renders me flabbergasted as a fantastic spouse, and seeing him as a tremendous Dad to our boy is impressive, inspirational, and frequently leaves me choked up.

10. Do what you have to do to do what you want to do.

11. Life is too short for false pretenses.

12. Amy Winehouse is scary to look at.

13. My family (B-D, BB1, and any others who will end up here with us!) is my focus. 

14. I still really, really, really like cooking!!

15. I love anything that contains ginger.

Well, I guess that it for now. I'm sending you a giant e-hug, and wish you more love and peace than you can handle for 2009. Onto the year of the Ox...Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Kindle Schmindle Bo-Bindle...

For the past few months, my gift wish list has consisted of one thing: an Amazon Kindle. I first saw the device unveiled on the Oprah show (where else?!). As of today, I had been gifted enough funds to be able to purchase my little bundle of plastic. So, after my workout tonight, I bounded up the stairs, logged on to amazon.com, and was rendered more breathless than my Spinning hill intervals..."Kindle does not ship to Canadian customers." I beg your pardon?? I frantically located the Kindle support line, where a nice chap named Azzie answered my questions. As it turn out, even though I have family in the Mile-High City that would gladly mail me the device, once in Canada, I couldn't use the download function unless I had a US billing address as well as a US credit card. There are currently no plans to bring the Kindle to Canada, but that's what they said about iPhone too. What is it with Canada getting stiffed with all the gadgets? My parents, my husband, and I'm sure my kids will end up the same way, too, are all gear geeks. I know that the Kindle will eventually head North, but I'm a Gen Xer...I want it now!!! The up-side to all this is that by the time Canada does get the Kindle, it will likely be second or third-generation, and most of the first-gen issues and kinks will be obsolete. 

You think I'm spoiled, don't you? Don't make me go Steve Williams on your ass. I'm really not. To prove it, I just took an on-line, "Are you Spoiled" quiz...here are my results:

 You Score: 35. What does this mean? You seem to be a little spoiled. It would not hurt you to buy something for yourself, just so that you could spoile yourself. Feel proud of the fact you got yourself where you are mostly by your own effort (even if it is a cardboard box!). Average score: 36.

See? Not spoiled. I paid for my own university (and finished, ...Col - c'mon dude, it's one more credit...put on your big boy hat and finish that bitch off already!), my own vehicles, trips, living in different cities, rent, house...you name it! Pretty much the same week I graduated university, my Dad and Step-mother said, "Congrats! Now until you move out, we expect rent!" Sounds a little harsh, but it wasn't at all. My parents (all 4 of them) ingrained in me two things: 1. Get educated. No marriage, no doing anything until you have that piece of paper. 2. Get yourself a stable, full-time job, and make sure you can support yourself - ALWAYS. Pretty good lessons. Once I was out of the house, I was self-sufficient - and proud of it. Sure there were some potholes along the way, but how else are you supposed to learn? I remember my Dad and Step-Mom taking me out for lunch soon after I graduated and they asked me what I wanted to do, and I truly did not know. They both looked at me and said, "We've watched you grow up, and we see what kind of values you have, and that you're strong and independent. Whatever you do - you're going to do well." That really meant a lot. Still does. 

WOAH. Where did that all come from? Quite a tangent, that. Well, I bid you all goodnight. I am off to bed, and am going to kick it old-school with a bound copy of Austen's "Persuasion." Caio.

Oh, and as a post-script, Amazon is sold out of the Kindle until at least March 2009.