What is it about the new year that inspires new beginnings?

Granted, I’ve done the same thing every year... some years it’s a birthday thing—since I’m a late December babe, and others it’s a new year thing.

However, I’d like to think I’m evolving past waiting. After losing Cordelia, I’ve been working on making forward strides in my life. I started a new diet/lifestyle change (okay, Erica?!) in early November, which led to missing out on all of the things offered at the family Thanksgiving table—yet also led to twenty pounds gone, and over three inches off my waist. I’ve used this energy and completed projects... both freelance and around the house.

In fact, the house has never been cleaner.

I’ve become a tad more social—albeit I still have a way to go, and a LOT to figure out. But I’ll get there.

Taking advantage of the clean house, I invited some friends over for my birthday. We had great food, drinks and lively conversation and games... it was fantastic! Honestly, it feels like I have better friends now than I’ve ever had before.

Which is good. I’ll always treasure my alone time, but it is comforting to know there are some who will come around when asked.

Maybe karma and I have made amends, because life is actually pretty good for a change.

So, what will the new year bring?

Should I set goals? Taking stock of last year’s, my success rate is pretty low. However, one of the goals was barely quantifiable and rather ambitious. I did take risks and step outside of my comfort zone, but perhaps not as much as I should.

There is this new girl in my life who loves adventures, and she inspires me. And she also likes to hang out. We seem to share many similar goals and ambitions and a love for travel and seeing the world.

And living life.

I think I have a lot to learn from her.

I have managed to read thirty-four books this year (so far, we’ll see if I finish Consuming Angels before the day ends). The goal was twenty-five, so there’s that. I still prefer to read than watch television, yet now that seems to include movies, and even music on most days.

I started back up at the gym a few weeks ago, and now that I’m skinnier, I am definitely seeing results. I’m looking forward to seeing what this new year will bring, even if there really is nothing to “start” tomorrow. Now that the holidays are over, I’d like to pursue another round of the diet and eat as clean as I am able after the round. I’m in talks to start a new job in January, which I’m excited about. And I’m looking forward to getting to know this beautiful young lady in my life.

We’ll see what happens.

What i'm listening to:

Blank Space
Taylor Swift
1989

What is loyalty? Really?

Why do we feel loyal to any particular brand? Company? Job?

Okay, granted, some jobs are pretty great. But others are mediocre at best.

But we get comfortable. We like our boss. Our coworkers. We’ve managed to obtain certain benefits because of these things.

And, of course, believing in the product goes a long way. If we don’t personally enjoy the product, there is less loyalty.

I have had an iPhone since the original. I like it. It’s intuitive. It has some features I’ve never used, but it integrates adequately with the technology I have at home, and even though I haven’t really been impressed with Apple’s offerings since Steve Jobs passed, I’ve yet to seriously consider switching to another smartphone.

Good experiences create loyalty. Toyota makes a damned fine auto. Wendy’s has the best burger and fries (fight me). Pepsi tastes better than Coca-Cola, yet the latter pairs better with authentic tacos. The Apple Grande that Taco John offers (albeit seasonally) is fucking incredible.

Sometimes loyalty is easily lost as well. There is a sign posted at the place I’ve purchased tires for years that states it only takes a bad experience to lose years of loyalty (something to that effect, anyway), and encourages customers to engage management if they’re ever disappointed.

Jobs are a little different though. When you find a job you like, even if there’s little to no advancement opportunity, you tend to stay loyal. Especially if you like your boss, most of your coworkers, and have a set schedule that suits you and your life well.

So, when a new opportunity arises, how do you know when to jump?

I have in the past. I’ve been burned. And I’ve been welcomed back to previous jobs with open arms—perhaps further reinforcing the loyalty, in spite of the lack of opportunity.

After all, how many times can one rely on good standing and favors, when you continue to jump at new opportunities?

Perhaps my loyalty is misplaced. In this economic climate, it truly is a buyer’s market. What better time to seek personal development and growth?

Perhaps my biggest irritation with city/town infrastructure, is when the city planners have no concept of stoplight theory.

Think about it for a minute. Two cars are approaching a stoplight from the same distance and at the same rate. The green side changes to yellow as the cars are four car lengths away, stopping that car. Both cars have to stop. Why?

Seriously, why? Who plans this?

Doesn’t it make sense, since the car approaching the red will have to stop anyway, to add a buffer to allow the moving cars to continue moving? Why not add a buffer of, say twelve seconds, from the time the car on the red side touches the sensor. This gives the approaching/moving cars an opportunity to clear the light, for say, half a block to a block.

Obviously, we can’t keep them flowing forever, although this delay may need to be increased in high traffic areas... but in a small-ish town, this will be more than adequate. Then, of course, when the light changes, the same rule applies.

By allowing the traffic to move in batches, we have a more efficient flow of traffic.

When the stoplight favors the vehicle approaching the red, then changes immediately after they leave the plate, the light is really about as effective as a four-way stop.

Of course, the city planners don’t care about things like that. And for some reason, I’m not qualified for that job, even though I understand stoplight theory, at least.

Maybe it’d be worth my while to pursue the necessary schooling. I’m not sure I can bear the thought of going back to school for anything though... and spending exorbitant amounts of money.

Something to think about I suppose. What kind of training does that job entail?