New Years in Perspective

2011: What happened to it? This seems to be the question we ask ourselves each year since we could grasp the concept. Between December 25 and 31, it is as if we suddenly realize that the year is coming to a close. The digits of the calendar year will change, which means we have to start practicing writing our dates with a 12 and not an 11 (possibly taking up to a month to get used to depending on the person).

I'll admit, I'm one of those people that "can't believe where the year has gone" even though I say that each month of the year--In October, "where did September go?" or November "where did October go?"--you get the idea.

The fact is, except for the bleak month of Wisconsin March where the weather is indecisive as to what it wants to do, each month tends to go quickly and exponentially quicker each year. I'm sure as a kid, the months went slower and we couldn't wait for the month to be over (if it was bad), and in school we began the countdown to the end--whatever the end may have been. And yet at the end of the year and all of the countdowns during hard times, we still ask ourselves "where did it go?" Now as adults, our busy schedules make us wish that the month would slow down or that we could have more hours in the day. Taking that idea into perspective, I think New Years is not only a time of positive reflection on what has passed (even if so quickly) but also a time of anticipation.

Personally, this year has had it's ups and downs like anyone else's, but am I happy with my life at the end of the day? Yes I am. Each month brought a significant change to my life and who I am, and I could not write this post without having those experiences. I won't engross you with the details of my year here, as I probably couldn't do it justice at this very hour of this day or at any one moment.

For next year? I look forward to 2012. I used to be terrified of going into the next year because with it are new expectations, older age and the exponentially speedier months. With a new outlook and a very pleasant year behind me, I feel that 2012 will bring about good things, good company and good times. I don't know what will take place--and for all I know the world will melt if the Mayan supporters have their way--but I will embrace the new, the changing, and the exciting possibilities of 2012. I hope you do the same.

Happy New Year everyone!

Walker, Wisconsin Ranger: Our own drama series

I'm sure I don't need to explain what has been going on in Wisconsin politics lately; I gather that if you are reading this, you have a pretty good base already.

Before I put in my two cents, I would like to clarify that this is not scientific. It is an opinion or should I say a summary of what I have seen among my fellow peers about the whole situation, following facebook statuses, articles and other such commentary.

As someone who is potentially going to be one of those 'state workers', I feel like Walker made the best decision in choosing to balance the budget through cutting state funding which (according to my own professors) would cost them approximately 5% annually. Why? Because he brought out the suppressed feelings of two sides of our employment system, creating a triangle of chaos. Good job.

We have the governor pinning two groups against each other, the state workers protesting the governor, and the non-state workers (or those in favor of the bill) telling the state-workers to suck it up (mind you, not all) because they deserve it. What I find troubling is that now teachers are being called cowards and told they are not doing their job because of the protest.

My question is: If teachers and other state workers cannot protest (and dare I say leave their work for a day), then how is the matter supposed to addressed? Diplomatically? Because having a majority republican state would do that so effectively. However, I do not think it was wise for the democratic party to flee the state because it only puts off the inevitable and in the mean time, giving those people who will be affected by this a bad reputation.

Who I don't understand is those people that lash out against the people opposing the bill. So state workers are over paid and not doing their job correctly? Then please! I invite you to join the "over-paid" "high benefits" circle of holding a state position and tell those who work there now how you like it. You'll probably have to sell your BMW though because your new exorbitant salary will not afford you one.