2011 is officially out. It is exactly 2:30 AM, January 1, 2012 as I write this. Though I am completely sober, I am lightheaded and nauseated. This is probably because I cannot fully grasp the fact that 2011 is over. Just like that. All the tears and suffering come to a close with no triumph.

I feel wounded and defeated. ‘Devastated’ would be an understatement to describe my present condition.

It’s New Year’s Day and my father is in the hospital, recovering from a heart attack. His doctors said that he is in critical condition.

My father, a retired cruise line sous-chef, lying in a dirty bed inside a room he shares with no more than 30 other patients. Imagine working 23 years for a world class cruise line and then having to stay in a public hospital.

I am pretty sure that his