A new year is here, and for many of us, one of the things we'd like to do in 2012 is get a job. I'm one of those people. I haven't had full time work in over two years, and that has to change over the next 366 days—sooner rather than later. I have applied for many jobs during that time period, but I have been picky. That has to change too.

When I designed the home page of my website, I learned how to put one of those “countdown clocks” on there. Except, I have mine count up, starting from the time my last boss told me he couldn't afford to keep me anymore. I put that clock up there originally as a goof, but now it's up to 1035 days! I may have to take that down. Looking at it makes me sick, but it also reminds me to keep at it.

I was receiving unemployment benefits for 99 weeks. That ran out, but for now, at least, that's okay. You would think 99 weeks is plenty of time to find a job, but you look at those real hard-working people out there, and many of them are still looking. I'm not sure I've had a “real job” in my life—you know, actually working (doing something you don't really like, just to earn a paycheck). I've always liked what I've done, and have considered myself lucky that I was getting money (even though it wasn't a lot) for something that I like to do anyway.

The unemployment money has run out, and I have had part-time gigs here and there, but I managed somehow to save up some bucks from when I was broadcasting high school football, basketball, and baseball games. That money is almost gone, so I'm going to have to do something different, and soon. I still hope to land another broadcasting gig, but I may also be working in a supermarket, a bank, or maybe even driving a truck. Who knows?

I guess it sounds like I'm being all sad and melancholy to start the new year, but my point is exactly the opposite. If 2012 is going to be a good year, I'm going to need to make it happen. I have no idea how, which is scary, but I'm going to have to figure it out, and soon. I guess there are a few people that get paid to write snarky comments once a week, but it doesn't seem to be a profession that is expanding.

So the headline of this column is a mantra to myself to start 2012. For those of you who have a job doing what you love, consider yourself extremely lucky. If you have a job, but you hate it, you should still feel fortunate. Try not to complain about it, and please, don't complain in front of someone who is unemployed. I know we all hate our jobs at times, but remind yourself that at least you have one. For those of you who are employed, I hope to join you very soon. 2012 is going to be the year. For me, it has to.

New Year's Eve: I really didn't feel like getting in my car and going out and celebrating this year, so I stayed home and watched the ball drop on TV. Twice. A couple of observations (snarky comment time)...

If you are in the Pacific time zone, and you want to watch the Times Square ball-drop live, the only place you can really turn is to CNN with hosts Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin. It's fun to watch because Cooper is so afraid that Griffin will say something she's not supposed to. This year, Cooper had a hard time hearing Griffin, so when Griffin did say something outrageous, Cooper would have her repeat it. Watching a “respected news man” like Cooper so uncomfortable is so entertaining...

I watched the tape-delayed New Year's Rockin' Eve, leading up to midnight. It was the 40th anniversary of the Dick Clark program, and Clark was there this year. It's just still so heartbreaking him speak after his stroke in 2004. Remember, he was “the man who would never age” for so many years...

I was watching ABC for the musical performances, but I missed the appearance by Hot Chelle Rae. I like them. They sound like the band that did the Free Credit Report .com commercials. Are they?

Photo: I think this depicts what I'm trying to say. It's from nationmultimedia.com, and was used in a story about economic recovery in flood-ravaged Thailand (If they had an emoticon for shrugging shoulders, I'd use it here).