The Continental Mahoods

Not really having got out from under the economic and financial crisis we brought down on our heads, we've got a pesky volcano in Iceland and one of the most shocking, human-made, ecological disasters in the Gulf of Mexico on our hands ... neither of which is generating many jobs. A lot of work, truth be told, but not much in the way of employment. On top of that, the European political community showed more trust than understanding towards our friends in Greece, and now everybody's getting financially nervous again. What, if anything, do these events all have in common? And more importantly, where to now?

It doesn't matter why it's taken so long to get back to updating things around here. Life has its way of setting its own agenda, regardless of what we have planned or how we envision things are going to play out. I knew the first quarter of the year was going to be a tough one, and my expectations were certainly met. What I didn't realize, though, was that the pressure was going to continue on into Q2, and there's really no end in sight.

If it were something new, then I suppose I could be surprised. If it weren't happening to me, perhaps I could claim it can't be so. But am I correct in recognizing February is already half over?! Give me a break. This new year started off without the slightest indication that it was going to run away from me ... oh well, George was right: it's the quiet ones ya gotta watch.

Even though January is rapidly coming to a close, we're still just into the new year, and it seems appropriate to put a new look on things as well. The snow's been turned off, and the decision was made to change the layout as well ... something a little fresher, friendlier, and maybe even a little more inviting. That, however, is up to you to decide. In the end, it's always up to you ... whether you like it or not, whether you're ready for it or not.

Two days ago was the 12th, and last, Day of Christmas. Even our Spanish and Orthodox brethren have caught up to everyone else; the Wise Men have come and gone. In the midst of it all, we started writing a new year number on our dates ... it looks like it's time to get serious about what's to come. The joy and excitement of the holidays is once again behind us. The new year looms before us, but are there signs of hope or foreboding?

Another Christmas come and gone ... hard to believe, isn't it? I trust you were all good boys and girls this year and Santa (or the Christkind, or whomever does so at your house) brought you everything you wanted. So, now once again loaded down with material things, and having surely full tummies from all the goodies everyone's sharing over the holidays, you are all looking forward to just a little break before celebrating your way into the new year with all the joy and frivolity you can muster.

Advent has come! Advent has come!
The candle-lighting has begun:
First 1, then 2, then 3, then 4,
And then is Christmas at the door.

OK, OK ... so it's not the greatest translation of the German children's rhyme, but I think it makes the point well enough nevertheless. At least I hope you get it.

Holidays are those times when greeting-card producers' hearts beat faster, and all of us are bombarded with one trite and pithy saying after another. Sometimes they come so hot and heavy that we simply forget what we are supposed to be celebrating. In the hectic and stress that are too often part of the preparations, we can quickly lose sight of why we're making the effort in the first place. My advice: keep it simple.

It is amazing how quickly the time passes, even when one is on the road to recovery. It was a mere three weeks ago - seems like only yesterday - that I was reporting into the hospital to have my reflux fixed. Today is my last day of sick leave. Monday it's back to the salt mines. I'd better be fit.

Due to what some might call a too generous lifestyle, but that I might prefer to pass off as a curse of nature, last week I had to let the masked-men in green go in and tidy up my stomach. It was just an endoscopic procedure - which turned out rather well, I might add (if it's fixed, I'm happy, that's for sure), but as a result, I've been on a liquid diet for the past 10 days. (And, no, they did not just set up a keg next to the bed ... this is serious stuff - or so they tell me.)