Happy 2012 and a half...

First of all, let me apologize to all of my (2) fans for not blogging on a more regular basis. Almost an entire year has gone by and in those 365 days, I can assure you that at least 365 outrageous, ridiculous, hilarious or moronic things have happened. I pledge to you, my avid followers (who have nothing better to do than to read various rants on the Internet), to be more consistent in my blogging and to continue to sprinkle a little sense of humor on top of the crap-cake that is life.

In a year's time, I have adopted a son and have weathered numerous storms on the job front. I have endured two strikes from employees, two bouts with pneumonia and the fun that is potty-training a two-year-old. I would like to say I've come out stronger. If the mentally insane are stronger than the sane, then yes I have.

The 'funny' thing is, I love my life - as crazy as it is. I love my husband. I love my son. I love my two four-legged children and...I love my job. But, what I love most is going home to my husband, son and furry, canine companions at the end of a workday. They put everything into perspective. They remind me that though the world is filled with idiots who hang voo-doo dolls of me on picket signs, I am loved unconditionally. They make crabby mom into happy mom.

If only everyone was fortunate enough to love and be loved. The people who lash out, who scowl, who not only try to throw you under the bus - but proceed to get in the driver's seat and run you over, who yell and scream and throw a temper tantrum to rival my two-year-old's, are the people who hate their life.

We've heard the mantra, 'don't sweat the small stuff'. But, people shouldn't really sweat the big stuff either. Everything happens for a reason and a reason can be made for everything. Financial worries? Cut back on the non-essentials until you've saved enough to indulge again. Family issues? Let the storm pass and be the one to extend the olive branch. Ignorant boss? Let him/her continue to be ignorant and true colors will shine. You never know, you may get a much-deserved promotion.

At the risk of sounding preachy, I can admit that I have not practiced what I am preaching very well this past year. While I'm financially sound, happy with my Stoneking family and have become immune to ignorant people...I do internalize my thoughts and feelings - until I decide to blog about them.

What I have learned - thank you therapy sessions - is that continued internalization of stress and anxiety can lead to chronic health issues or...jail. Not that I've committed a crime, but I am becoming more empathetic to those who go on a bender and stand at the top of a bell tower threatening bodily harm. But the fact is, stupid people do exist. If we let their stupidity affect our health, our well-being, then they have won. So, in the battle of smart versus stupid...let's all work together to help smart win.