New Year's Eve 2013

Here we are again, at the close of one year and nearly to the open of another. Like many, I typically find New Year's Eve celebrations to be a bit overrated and schmaltzy. In reality, what makes January 1 so different from December 31? Why are we so open to making positive changes in our lives one day out of the year when we all have the choice to make better and smarter decisions on April 17, July 22, or October 4? I ask this rhetorically, of course, since I have already written out my resolutions, dug out my gym clothes, organized my closets, and revisited the budget I created for myself back in June. 

The new year brings a renewed sense of order to our busy and chaotic lives and gives us hope that this is the year that we'll be healthier, wealthier, and wiser. That's my sincere wish for you, and for me, too. 

I'm feeling optimistic about 2014. Not that 2013 or 2012 weren't good years--they were--but I just have a feeling that this will be a good year. (Of course, I thought 2010 would be a good year and before January had even ended I'd slipped and broken my foot and ankle in five places. So, we'll see.)

So here's to you, here's to me, and here's to a wonderful, happy, safe, and sweet new year that's full of love, life, and laughter. 

Happy 2012

I had planned to post last week, but I was in Arizona for a week for work travel, then I was sick and out of commission for a few days.  Can you believe that it's actually 2012?  I vividly remember New Year's Eve 1999 (involving copious amounts of champagne and Prince's "1999" on repeat) and can't believe that was only 12 years ago.  This year instead of attending a New Year's Eve party, I hosted one!  My two roommates and I threw a party at our house, and even though our house was a mess the next day, it was worth the fun and celebrating with friends.

I'm not a big fan of new year resolutions since I think you can resolve to change any day of the year, but there are some things I'd like to work on in 2012 an continue doing.  I need to remember to take the time to enjoy my life and not always focus on the "next step;" when that happens, you don't always appreciate where you currently are, and I happen to currently be in a great place.

Quick trivia: 2012 is the 4709th Chinese year and is the year of the Water Dragon.  The Chinese New Year doesn't officially start until January 23, 2012, so you've got a few more days to prepare/party/resolve if you need to.

Standing Resolute

It's day four of 2011, and if you're like the majority of the world, you've made some resolutions to somehow improve your life/the lives of others in the upcoming 365 days.  While time is arbitrary, and you could just as easily resolve to make better decisions in May than January, that's not as much fun, is it?  Take a look at this infographic illustrating the top new year's resolutions for 2011. 

click here for the remaining 9 top resolutions

Hello 2011

Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

-William Arthur Ward

Ever wonder what the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne are, or why we sing this song on New Year's Eve?  Look no further.  What about champagne?  Why is this sparkling beverage the traditional drink of choice for a midnight toast?  I hope you all had a wonderful time ringing in the new year, and I hope you ate your black-eyed peas and greens for good luck in 2011!  (More New Year's customs here.)