New Year, New Start

Ok, here we go with the obligatory New Year’s post. Sort of.

So I’ve been on vacation since (checking calendar…) December 22, and can’t honestly say I’m looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. :::sigh::: I could stand about two more months off, I think. Or even forever. But whaddaya gonna do? Bills to pay and all that. I had such great plans for my off-time, even knowing much of it would be taken up with holiday cooking and cleaning and the madness that accompanies the holiday season. I was going to write like nuts, finish a crochet project, and I don’t know what all else. But really, subtracting the days lost to the Christmas crazies, a week off isn’t much time. The crochet project is nearly done so that’s something. I did start a new short story but as usual the premise I had in mind when I started it is sort of fizzling and I’m now ranging around for a better idea of where to take it. But it’s something.

And of course the cosmos is having another laugh at my expense. A few days ago it was discovered that the roof in the shop building in the backyard is leaking, and the interior ceiling has caved in. Lots of soggy insulation hanging down. From the outside all looks well. I was hoping for a big hole where a meteor might have smashed through and therefore could call my homeowner’s insurance (actually, I bet they’d deny the claim. I’m probably not covered for meteor collisions). But no, it’s your run-of-the-mill leak on an old roof that needs to be replaced. Now I’m all kinds of nervous about the roof on the main house, which is the same age. Luckily, there are no water spots on the ceiling so I don’t think disaster is imminent. Still plans are now in place to replace both roofs. The good news is my son and his girlfriend’s stepfather have worked together on roofing before, so they are willing and ready to do the work. I only have to buy the materials which is doable. It could be worse. Just as with the car last month, I’m not looking at a worst-case scenario. Which is not to say I didn’t lose sleep over this, because I have, but all things considered it could be worse.

My panic reflex is to immediately circle the wagons and figure out ways to cut back on spending, or find new income. Since the job market sucks it’s improbable that I’ll be able to find a new job that pays better, so I can either look for a part-time weekend job, or find another way to supplement my income. Fear not, I’m too old to become an exotic dancer (or worse), I am thinking of slightly more reputable ways to beef up the bank account. I’m also considering starting to use mass transit to get to work. It can be done, but will suck up two more hours out of the day. Plus side: I’d have time to sit and read on the trains to and from work. Downside: I’m not sure I can get myself together that early in the morning. As it is I struggle to get out the door by 7:00. I did see a prediction the other day that gas could hit $5/gallon this year so like it or not I may have to suck it up and haul my butt out the door at 6:00. But hell, when I ride my bike I have to do that anyway. It would cost slightly more than half of what I currently pay for gas for a monthly Tri-Met pass, but it would also save wear and tear on my ancient chariot.

As for the option of a secondary income I’m thinking of maybe doing Tarot card readings locally. I’ve tried reading for Keen.com, but since I’m not home all the time now I can’t do that anymore. I am considering approaching bars and such to do readings during the evening, maybe just a couple nights a week and see how it goes. Ask the cards, you say? Funny you should say that, that’s just what I did.

Using the All Hallow’s Tarot I pulled the 7 of Discs and the World. What I’m getting from this is I’ve been working along on something that’s just not panning out to my expectations. Financially things are disappointing. I’m standing around watching things and not seeing what I’d hoped for. The World is telling me that like the Fool, I have to take all the lessons I’ve learned and apply them to a new beginning. The dancer in the middle has lights, candles all around. Her hands above and below her show she is aware of both the subconscious and conscious and is balanced in between. Taking responsibility, success is assured.

 

The Moon again echoes the conscious/subconscious, urging me to take the path of evolution, continue to grow. The moon reflects the sun’s light making it golden. But the Moon often signals danger and self-delusion. Indicative of the psychic and astral realms, these are unfamiliar places to most of us where we can get into trouble. As much as we think we know about something, the Moon tells us the picture may not be complete. This would be new territory for me, doing public readings. I’m really afraid I’d choke and be able to remember anything. I’m sure there’s a great deal about it that I haven’t even considered.  Along comes the Hierophant to suggest listening to a teacher, new educational paths. More study is called for. Ok, I can do that. I would certainly feel more confident if I did more readings and spent more time with my cards.

 

Finally, the Page of Wands. Oh you little devil, you. Bursting with exuberance and enthusiasm, he says ‘Go for it!’ Dive into a new project, the fire will burn and light the way. Have courage, a little impulsiveness is indicated. Be daring! Good news in the form of a letter, phone call, even word of mouth. I like that, this could be good. Interestingly, three of five cards are Majors, indicating the universe is taking control of the situation and I kind of have to just follow along.

And on an unrelated note, no further sign of Norm, but this little guy has taken to hanging out in the backyard. It’s cat heaven back there, and he’s welcome to all the rodents he can find. Not sure if it’s the light, or if he really has two different colored eyes. Sure is purrrty though (sorry, couldn’t resist).