Happy, Merry, Whatever

I'm trying, I'm really trying, to find some holiday cheer...if only for my son's sake. He always has cheer and is willing to share, at least. But, sometimes life throws you a curve and you just get knocked sideways...it takes a while to learn the lesson or lessons in my case. I told a friend the other day that I will not be sorry to say good bye to 2009...sort of reminds me how I felt about 1999 (though that year was worse, let me tell you).

But, there is something about the holidays that just brings out so much unhappiness in people. I'm not just talking about the obvious: the poverty stricken and homeless and sick...but even the ones who seem to have everything. Don't you see it all around? Maybe it is because we are being forced to be happy and cheerful by society and to spend time with some people we actually may not want to spend time with...well, I guess that's why they always have a lot of alcohol about.

Well, all cynicism aside, I AM grateful for my wonderful son...for an immature 16 year old, he has been of immense support to me and can always make me laugh. I am grateful to my dog and, to a lesser degree (only because they shit in a box that I have to keep in my house), my cats. I can't imagine waking up without my animals about me; licking my face, wagging their tails; showing me the joy of simply waking up. I am grateful for my parents and family for their generosity of spirit and kindness and tough lessons taught and learned, but tempered with humor. I am grateful to my friends, without their support, well, I'd be sitting alone pitying myself and blogging (wait a minute...). Friends, you know who you are and I love you, man! I am grateful I have a job I like and that keeps me young at heart and a talent that, when I let the creative juices flow, I can share with the world.