This month has been quite difficult for a lot of people I know, and I want everyone who has their friends and family to be with this year to not take for granted the generosity of others. Sure, the rituals can end up being contrite, and the weather isn't the best, but the holidays give everyone an excuse to at least see each other, and maybe have a nice dinner or something.

I'm encountering some financial strains which will probably get more difficult in the upcoming month or so. I had a vacation planned some months before when things were better, but due to a variety of circumstances, I may have to walk away from it. I've got a self-imposed project deadline looming around that same time, and many of my friends are also going to be having financial difficulties making the trip as well. While I don't want to let any of them down by not being able to make it, I'm weighing my options as to whether it would be prudent to continue to attempt to make the trip considering the additional investments it would require. That, and the logistics are becoming increasingly complicated.

Oh yeah, and just the other day, my computer fried and took out a bunch of my hardware all at once. That definitely didn't help things. Only just now have I been able to make the necessary repairs to get back up to speed with my work-related duties :\

So, anyway. Normally, I don't talk about this kinda stuff on my journal, but I figured it would help me put things in perspective. Coming to terms with a difficult reality is something which takes time. Originally, I was gonna try and take some commissions, do some ebay and etc. to try and make my little trip next month possible, but I don't think I'm gonna be doing that anymore. Sorry to disappoint anyone who might've wanted a commission from me; maybe I'll think about doing it at some point in the future, but who knows.

Please do your best to cherish what you have, and try not to be resentful to the ones you love this holiday season. Most people have good intentions, and it would be short-sighted and possibly even selfish to be that way. In this economy, lots of people are struggling to various degrees, but again, during the holiday season we're given the excuse to try our best to bring a small bit of happiness to the ones we love. Sometimes, no manner of good intentions can help from unexpected circumstances or disappointments occurring, so be prepared to have a lot of patience and forgiveness this year as well.

And finally, please excuse my excess sappiness. Good intentions, and all that...