2008 has too many zeros.  Okay, not the zeros in the year, but there will be too many zeros arrived at during the year.  I’m turning an age that ends in zero.  My friend Brian (podcast Brian) is turning an age that ends in zero. That’s too many zeros.  Way too many.

So, I’ve declared this The Year of Distraction. Best not to think about all those zeros.  I’m going to distract myself with another blog war with Elizabeth. (It begins today.)  I’m also going to write more articles on Helium.  My Side Effects column was the featured humor entry today. That’s good motivation for the year.

I’m also going to distract myself with finishing some books. (Kansaska, 7 Dead Flamingos) I think that will make my editor happy.  It will also make my state government happy.  It seems they weren’t content with the property taxes I’ve been paying and decided to add zeros to my tax bill. (Yes, I said zeros) When I got the bill, I figured that the assessor decided to fund schools, the police, the fire department, and the roof of the new Colts stadium entirely from MY property assessment! I figure I can start eating again sometime in April –which isn’t the worst thing since I need to lose a number of pounds that probably ends in zero.

So, what can you expect from me in 2008? Well, I won’t be thinking about zeros!  I’ll be writing more, eating less, and keeping the pools open this summer with the taxes on my postage stamp of a lot and cookie cutter home in Marion County that wouldn’t even be fit for the hired help in Carmel. (Wow, did that sound bitter, cause it felt bitter when I typed it?)

I’m not bitter. I’m focused. Just not on the zeros.

Carry on, Citizens!