If you have read my blog before, you will notice that I changed the look of my blog. I figured that I was due for a change. So I changed the look as well as the title. Some of you will understand the significance of the title, but if you don't, I'll forgive you. Anyway, I changed the title because it was a little on the negative side, and I'm trying not to be as negative here in cyberspace as I usually am. So for the new year, I'm trying out a new look AND a new outlook.

Let me know what you think.

In the past few weeks, Southern California has experienced at least 3 storms in a row. We even had some snow (not in L.A.). We are not used to the rain. We can't drive in it. And it causes mudslides. And most people don't like it.

But after the rain, Southern California is GORGEOUS! The air is clean and crisp and clear. Right now there's snow on the mountains, and they are beautiful to look at.

Today I took Milo to Petco to have a bath. I had to wait almost three hours for him to finish, so I did a little shopping, had some lunch, and sat outside reading. It was the perfect afternoon for being outside. I really should take advantage of our weather more often. Plus, I actually got some work done, which was something I really needed to do. I read a great article that I am pretty sure I can use for the dissertation, so now I feel productive as well. LOL

I think that this year I need to spend more time outside. With all of the reading I'm going to have to do, it is not going to be that difficult to do. Right???

Maybe my new year's resolution should be to keep up with my blog...

So...Happy New Year, everyone! Now that we're only a few days into 2011, I guess it's still OK to say that. I did absolutely nothing on New Year's Eve. My dad roasted a chicken with the new chicken roaster he got for Christmas. I did nothing of consequence. In fact, I can't even really remember what I did. Ha ha.

2010 was an up-and-down year for me. July was particularly difficult. But November was great. On balance, it wasn't a great year, but since I came out at the end still kicking and screaming, I guess it's something to celebrate.

Nothing big planned for 2011, either. I don't think I'll be able to do a real vacation until after May 2012. Yes, I'm already counting down to graduation. This year's posts will probably have a dissertation theme running through them...but, then again, maybe not. I guess we will just have to see what the year brings. Maybe it will be a year of miracles. :)

As we begin the year 2010, many of us are making new resolutions, setting new goals, hoping new hopes. So, I offer this as inspiration for the day when the newness wears off--Faith the Dog!

I had heard about her before, but when I read this article a few weeks ago, I was inspired all over again. Faith was born with undeveloped front legs, so her owners taught her to walk on her hind legs, upright. Now, at 7 years old, she makes appearances to give hope to people who have lost limbs from disease, wars, and accidents.

Faith teaches me two things. First, sometimes when things don't work out the way I've planned, they can still work out. Second, a lot can be accomplished when someone is rooting for me. :)

BBC America is finally showing The Waters of Mars, the Doctor Who special that was shown a while ago on BBC One. We finally get to see it on Saturday night, December 19th. I'm crossing my fingers that my cable doesn't go blitz on me, as it seems to be doing a lot lately. On subsequent Saturday nights we get our installments of The End of Time (parts 1 and 2). I'm so excited to see the new specials, but I'm sad, too. The End of Time will mean the end of David Tennant as The Doctor. Boo hoo. I'll keep my mind open. Maybe I'll fall in love with Matt Smith as The Doctor.

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy the fact that BBC America will be showing Doctor Who and other Who-related things every Saturday night and Sunday through January 3rd. As I'm sitting here writing my final paper for class, it's nice to have The Doctor saving the world in the background. :)

Chinese New Year 4706 is the Year of the Female Brown Earth Ox — sometimes called the cow or water buffalo.

The year of the Ox is associated with domestic trouble that seems to have no solution. The grounded, rational, earth influence of the Ox may bring good fortune to troubled economic times but only with a sustained, well planned effort. The Ox influence brings an aversion to risky credit and quick answers that are not well conceived. The Ox year brings success only through discipline and through hard work. The steady ox is quick to anger when confronted by what seems to be irrational opposition, but the use of reason works well and avoids a charge by the angry bull. There is much danger of war and unrest if diplomacy does not prevail.

The last time the earth Ox was seen as the ruling influence was January 29, 1949 - February 15, 1950. The world suffered a recession in late 1948 and early 1949. The world economy recovered during the year of the ox due to rational decisions and careful planning. By 1951, the recession was over. Many will be searching for a quick solution to the current economic crisis, but the ox favors a well planned, consistent path that will take more time but lay a foundation for long lasting results. The strong earth influence of this year favors a strengthening of the housing market, but risk takers will not find this year favorable. Those who look for long term benefits, have a well thought out plan and are willing to work to see results will find great success.

(I got this info from here.)

Happy Year of the Ox, everyone!

We're still a little over an hour until the new year, but I thought I'd post early.

Wishing you all the best in 2009.

Frankly, my 2008 sucked, so I'm looking forward to a much happier year. :)

More later . . .

So, I've decided that since I'm now in my 40s (YIKES!), it's time for God to put Mr. Right in my path. I've pretty much given up on it, for the most part, but there's always a part of me that thinks something else might happen. *sigh*

Anyway, I found this article on MSN pretty interesting. I may even take the advice of some of the ideas.

I especially liked . . .

1) Throw a party.
3) Get set up.
10) Give back.
11) Find extra-curricular activities.
14) Take a night class.
20) Turn up the kitchen heat.
21) Always look your best.
22) Know what you want.
24) Be your best self.
25) Write your own commercial.
26) Forgive yourself.
28) Reinvent yourself.
29) Be positive.
31) Visualize what you want.

Not sure if any of these will work, but hey, it's worth a shot. And as for #3, anybody out there listening???