Another day in the life

To be quite honest, New Year’s usually leaves me blank. New Year’s meaning only to remember to change the last number when dating checks. I went to a few parties years ago and found them stressful, everyone trying so hard to "have a good time," wanting to “make it good,” a special night, make it an emblem for the coming year. So I usually stay home with a good book and fall asleep before midnight, waking up to another day. As Doris McCarthy said (a couple of days ago in CBC radio), “I enjoy my own company. We get along very well. We have a good time together.” But of course, this does not negate the joy of being with people.

And so this year I was invited and went to a party I wanted to go to, with friends I wanted to spend the evening with, play with. It was a warm and friendly party, a good way to bless any evening. As for resolutions, I've made (and broken) them frequently, sometimes daily. But the best one I heard last night was “Don’t be nice, be good!”

I think I have a stronger relationship with birthdays as markers, heralding the new, ushering in the next year that is about to happen. Birthdays are so personal. Nevertheless, there is always anticipation of what the calendar new year will bring. And I do hope that all wishes and dreams come true for you, that the gift of life be enjoyed and flourish with joy for everyone all over this beautiful, mysterious, strange and troubled world we inhabit.

Posted by leya at January 1, 2005 11:01 AM