...Happy Holidays, To All...
There is no way you could have thought I would stay quiet through the holidays. It has been a VERY busy year....and next year has the appearance of an even busier one, if that's even possible.
Rande-om thoughts....
Remember the ETFs we discussed a few times? Asia, India, etc. have been very strong compared to U.S. One of my favorite ultra-long-term-set-it-and-forget-it issues, GCH just hit an all-time high along with a nice little dividend. Last years was nearly twice as high, but the fourth quarter dividend isn't in yet. Definitely outperforming markets, regardless of new highs and all that. Add the dividends to the stock price and some of these have issues have been on a tear....investing in China's growth? Nah, no way.....it's just a fad! >G< ....like the internet.
Still teaching college....though I am considering relocating to do same in a better situation. I'll let everyone know, of course. Career is fun for a change. That works.
I had several people writing me about fibromyalgia. Since my wife's endometriosis surgery, she has been symptom free.
(that's the good news)...
(why does good news always seem to need balance?)
She is in California visiting now, and just went through a second serious episode of seizures. The first time these happened, I figured out a way of doing an exercise with her neck. We were able to immediately restore blood flow to the brain.....so she could feel instant relief. Well, being 2500 miles from her this time, I had to yell out instructions over a cell speakerphone to unnerved and doubting inlaws on the side of a busy mountain road. Talk about surreal!
I'm about ready to crawl out of my skin...or crawl out to California...whichever comes first. I guess I'll see her after the New Year, down in Nashville. Keep her in your prayers. We believe it is not arterial, but rather neurological. She is in the hospital out there now. But it is a scary situation for all...especially since there is so little info about causes and cures....but rather merely about symptoms and treatments. Don't even get me started.
<needing to change subject>
Anyway......how is everyone? I would love to hear from you!! How are you doing these days? Don't think I don't remember you.....that is unlikely.
Meanwhile, I've been much better.... without "mandatory" surgery of any sort. (Funny how there are two or three sides to every medical story....and four or five sides to every political one.)
So how about this geopolitical world? We apparently stopped blowing cities to kingdom come. Now we just take turns killing the people in them...slowly. Africa is a mess that nobody seems to care enough to solve. Asia is having the boom of its life...beyond the average American citizens wildest dreams.
American commerce is becoming a giant Big Lots.....reselling whatever it gets in from the Pacific Rim, without regard for what people really want. Politically we are losing the respect of many of the great nations of the earth.....and it seems to be mostly due to our undecided-can't make up our-uncommitted-who's-minding the chickens coop policy? Sure a different war than WWII.....and it is rapidly becoming an equally complex world of geopolitical pressure and influence. If all stays as it is, soon we will have no move left but to cut and run.
Remember back when we all seem to have the answers to the world's problems? Now we are having difficulty just figuring out the questions.
On the brighter side. . . .
Thanks to global warming, Youngstown, Ohio is getting a great climate!...with a summer-like autumn...and autumn-like winter....sort of like Tennessee. A few more decades and the Great Lakes coastline will be the new gold coast. >g<
Now...as for the holidays.....you guys have heard it all before. Forgive your family. If you have something, anything between you and a family member, use Christmas as a reason to break it.
For next year, find new ways to show your family love and provide them with joy. Joy is a tough one. It is what we all seek...in everything we do. And yet it is so elusive.
Here is your annual challenge:
Each time in 2007, that you come across joy in your life or that of your family members.....write it down.....in a sort of...well, uh....joy-nal. >cringe<
By the end of the year, you will have a roadmap as to what REALLY makes you and your family happy. This is more important and useful than I can express.
Here is a little saying for your fridge that will also help you to keep things in perspective. . .
Life is fragile and the road we are all on is very short. If you find good health, thank God. If you find love, give it back. If you find peace, share it with others. If you find joy, grab up all that you can.
I wish and pray you all a joyous Christmas and the very best (and most prosperous) new year you have ever had.
Best wishes. . . and Merry Christmas!
Rande Is |
