It is just after 12 noon on this first day of 2009. This is my first foray into the world of blogging apart form the occasional hit when I am researching some topic or other.

I live alone in a small country town. Mostly, I find it refreshing but I sometimes miss having someone to talk to at the end of the day, or discussing my plans for tomorrow with someone, or sharing thoughts and opinions on the input I get from the world at large.

Someone asked me what I have planned for 2009. I said nothing special, but that isn't true, of course. I am trying to get some renovations done on my house now that I have a little extra money. I hope to get an ongoing position at my job, which is currently a 6-month contract. I plan to be a little more disciplined in the creative writing I am doing. I am also seriously considering becoming a marriage and/or funeral celebrant.

I will continue to wish for peace in the Middle East, goodwill between Pakistan and India, and social justice in Africa, but I will not actually do anything about it beyond wishes and words.

I will spend this afternoon as I want this year to continue - in the company of friends and good people.