A Year in Review

There are many traditions and history surrounding the celebration of New Years Day. Food seems to be the popular choice for many as its believed that certain foods bring you luck. These certain foods involve cabbage, beans, black-eyed peas or simply a pot of homemade vegetable soup. Whatever your "luckiest" food tends to be, make sure to indulge a plenty New Years Day. Why indulge you ask? Simple, so you can honor your resolution to lose weight.

New Years eve can be considered the greatest party of the year. Naturally because its the last party of the year but more importantly, it brings forth a new year. Whether you stay at home and watch the festivities on Times Square or venture into the frenzy of festivities at your local bar of preference, a good time is awaiting. I find it amazing that no matter where I am, I'm always in the company of friends.

And singing...Oh my goodness. Nothing like a chorus of drunks singing Auld Lang Syne. The song, "Auld Lang Syne," playing in the background, is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

This years resolution is quite simple. I decided since my list was rather long and somewhat boring(and trivial to most people), I am making a general resolution. My resolution this year is to live a better life. That resolution seems to cover all the topics of resolutions and keeps it simple.

I also take time each year to review the things I'm thankful for. Years past has been materialistic things and family along with friends. This years I've trimmed the list to just family and friends. As the old saying goes, "There's only two things in life you are required to do; Pay taxes and die." As many of you know, I almost completed the circle of requirements this past September. I realized my own mortality is real and at any moment can be delivered without just cause or warning. I also found that its not always materialistic things that make our lives more comfortable. Its the people you surround yourself with that really determines how comfortable your life can be. While my life hasn't been all rainbows and butterflies, its been my family and friends that help me navigate through my tribulations. And its been my family and friends that have carried me on their shoulders these past few months. Whether they've not realized it or I've not told them, its being said now.

I am thankful for being allowed a second chance to see my son grow into a fine young man someday. I know I whine and rant about his behavior sometimes, but I'd not trade one second for immortality. Many have told me he is the likeness through and through of his Dad. I wish I could see that but I'm not going to debate the subject. His love is never-ending and his compassion for those who are less fortunate, whether by financial or health, is immense.

I'm also thankful for having the second chance to see that my wife receives the love she deserves. And thats all I have to say about that...

Folks...someone asked me recently what I meant when I stated, "I see things in a different perspective now". I've always had the ability to look from the outside in, even relating to my own scenarios. So I'm not surprised that this person found the statement a little bewildering. I can remove myself and analyse the situation and state what others cannot see. Sometimes my statements compound the problem because I forget that open minds don't jive well with closed minds. I've struggled for many weeks trying to compose an effective explanation. I've since relinquished all hopes of ever composing such an explanation. However, I recall a scene from a TV Sitcom that brings to light this newfound perspective. The Mary Tyler Moore Show episode where Ted Baxter, played by Emmy Award Winner Ted Knight, suffered a severe heart attack. Upon his return to the News Station, he was wandering about when he comes screaming into the newsroom proclaiming the video newsreel of the century was right outside the window. As everyone scrambled to view the scene, he proclaimed that everyone should look at the sunset...he'd never seen one quite as beautiful as before.

I look at things from a simplistic viewpoint now. I try to cherish the simpler things life has to offer.

This is Ted Baxter reporting from the Newsroom of WDZD...Goodnight and Good News!

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~Confucius