One wonderfully tired and over used way to start the new year is to look over the past and project what the future may bring. And any who know me - the few and not so proud - will realize that I can project the gloomy and dreariest of futures. Maudlin seems to capture it. Well then, where do I see myself, say five years, in the future?

If I am still alive, and barring any divine intervention, then this is my projection. Living alone in an apartment or a double-wide (Double-wide Mobile home for all those fortunate enough not to know what I meant). Driving a "beater." Sparsely furnished abode, but with a computer and one or more gaming systems. Maybe taking some adult ed classes at the local tech school just to fill out my nights. Fatter.

At this time I am comfortable with this prediction. Honestly, I will just have to see what time brings, but it will be interesting to see how much I got wrong or right in this brief scenario. And, I believe in Divine intervention, which leaves me plenty of room for hope (even if I don't feel it at any particular time).