A New Year

In case you didn't know, it's the year of the ox (sometimes also referred to as a cow) in Japan.  If Wikipedia is even somewhat close in the explanation of  the symbolism of the ox, it's going to be an interesting year:

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Really, you know I don't believe all that, but it is interesting to know what the surrounding culture may be thinking about the year ahead.

So what does the new year bring??  Well, I obviously can't see into the future, but I do have some things to look forward to:

• Noa returning home!  He's been gone since July on deployment.  He should be back next month!
• Babies!  No, not mine, but we have good friends who are expecting little ones.
• Travel!  We're hoping to go to China, Hawaii, and see family in the States again.  Who knows where else we'll end up?
• Saying good-bye and hello.  Sadly, being in the military means we meet and say good-bye to friends frequently.  Some of our best buds are scheduled to leave Okinawa this summer.

I look forward to blogging all these upcoming events (and more!).  Hopefully, the blogging will be more frequent.  So, here's to 2009!