No, you know what? I refuse to be like this. 2009 doesn't have to be like 2008, I am coming into this year with a positive attitude.

So instead of being petulant about this iPod thing, I am going to pack that sumbitch full of things Julia will like. The entire series of Skins. All those indie movies she's asked for. Anything I can think of, I will get and switch over to mp4 and go the extra mile to see if I can get her to smile at all, because I realize now that I miss seeing my sister smile.

I don't have a mantra, but I sure as hell can have a reminder: there is always a way to rise above what I feel. I just have to be willing to find it.