This tea I’m drinking is ultra strong. Minty and black at the same time. Brewed from loose leaves, tempered with honey, but still strong. Maybe it needs milk.

Left work early today, hooray. On the way home I bought some stuff to munch on for tonight’s “Family Guy” DVD marathon at my place. Brian and I aren’t that into New Year’s Eve partying, so we’ll be at home in our pajamas while outside it pours down torrents of rain on all the drunkies.

I do like marking the passage of an old year into new, since that is the way we humans divide time in our lives. This year has been a good one for me. Many new experiences, lots of happiness, adventures, and travel. Being in love has been a big part of it all. Also I was proud to acheive my educational goal of finishing well in the copy editing program at UC Extension and getting the certificate. Moved to a quieter, larger apartment — which relieved much stress. Added an adorable new cat to my animal family. Got in touch with old friends, and made some new ones, too. 2003 was swell, on a personal level.

(Of course on a national, state, and local level, it was horrific, embarrassing, and dreadful. Let’s hope that changes in 2004.)

Next year, who knows. Could be even better. I don’t have the same educational goals, but I do hope to take some kind of fun class. And I reckon my martial arts training counts as educational. I’ll probably move again. Travel some more, to a distant and very foreign country.

Next year I am going to challenge myself to ingest less corporate media news, and search for unbiased reporting, wherever it hides. It’s hard to do in our isolated-by-oceans country…

I wish a happy and lucky new year to all my friends, my family, everyone I love. Kampai!