Volatility.

We aren't even three weeks into the new year - the new decade - and it seems to me that there is an uncommon volatility in the air. Of course, the devastating earthquake in Haiti has something to do with that. But there are issues in our government, issues with our national identity - there's the ability of our social networking to create viral insanity, the fact we foster relationships by typing and not in person - I see individuals all around me make choices that make no sense to me, and people who live more for the drama than compassion and real connections...

It all feels a little too uncomfortable. Too volatile. It makes me want to move to the country with my beloved and farm our own food and ride horses to the neighbors' for dinner, and work to teach children the value of gratitude and that they can do anything they dream.

But first I need a beloved.

Seriously, though, I guess I need to re-commit to having hope. Hope that the pain of those affected by the earthquake will heal. Hope that one day we will decide through our elected officials that two people who love each other have every right to marry, and that good health care is not optional. Hope that connections renewed online will be wonderfully refreshed in person. Hope that people will 'grow up' and realize that they are not the center of the universe.

Okay, okay - and hope that I will find a beloved and maybe one day we will grow some food and inspire some children together.