New Year's Day 2008

Life is what you make it. How many different ways have you heard it said?

I once read somewhere that whatever it is you do on New Year's Day sets the tone for the rest of the year. Now, it actually may have been more mystical like whatever it is you are doing at the stroke of midnight - which is why, perhaps, it is tradition to kiss. Sure, some might think this is going to bring them a year filled with sex and passion, but there is so much more symbolically to a kiss - connection, prosperity, companionship, warmth, sharing, giving, receiving, and - okay, okay - procreation, which in itself can symbolize a wealth and vitality.

I can tell you where I was a the stroke of midnight: just falling asleep and awakened by screams of "Happy New Year!" from the neighbors, along with the cold winter night's muffled blast of fireworks. If that's the tone of my whole year, then I guess I can count on a lot of interrupted sleep, but that's not how I plan to see it. No, I'm going with New Year's Day.

I woke early, feeling well rested and clear headed - my sinuses were nearly clear and not aching. I dressed and stepped outside into about four inches of new snow. My first obstacle of the New Year. Without hesitation, I got a shovel and cleared the back deck and all the sidewalks. I met the obstacle head on and did not let it dissuade me. Not only that, but I was taking others into consideration - even though there aren't many walkers on a holiday, I know it's an important aspect of civil living to keep the sidewalks clear in the winter. Plus, we already got one scolding from the mail carrier, so I'm hyper-conscious of it now.

Sidewalks cleared, I leashed up the dog and we headed out for our first run of the new year. We ran in the road - since at 6:30 AM I couldn't well expect others to have been up to shovel yet. It was clear and easy to find footing in tire ruts. I was running against the wind into a light snow. Okay, so the year will start with some opposition, but, I knew on the way home, the wind would be at my back, so that would mean the year will get easier as it progresses.

I went to 7-11 to get a newspaper for my husband. Start the year doing something nice for others. I didn't see a single car on the road on my way there. Not one. I may be the last person on the planet in 2008? No, not quite, but perhaps some peace and tranquility from the usual grind. That would be nice.

At 7-11 I bought three papers. Start the year reading; that has to be good. The run home was a bit challenging, as I haven't run in a few days, but I persevered and it felt good to finish. Again, a tougher year to start, but I will push through and find it rewarding to have done so.

Once home, I started a load of laundry - keeping life clean - and cleaned out the cat boxes, taking the used litter directly out to the garbage. No "waste" in the house to start the new year. This was followed by more taking care of animals. I find a good portion of my morning is spent on that: walking the dog, letting the cat in and out, filling up food and water dishes, cleaning the cat box, brushing the dog, petting cats. But none of this is a "chore" since I am so appreciative of these creatures in my life.

There's also a lot of water in my daily morning rituals: laundry, pet water, drinking water, teapot water, bathroom, shower. I am very conscious of and grateful for all the water we have, especially knowing how desperate others are for it.

I straighten up the house a bit and do some more exercises and some yoga before I make my first cup of morning tea and settle down to the computer to write. Writing. Great New Year's Day activity. I'm hopeful this one activity will prevail through the new year (yes, Casey, even though Pima says hope ain't so great).

What else today? There will be healthy food - mother's bread to start the day followed by a turkey dinner with middle east side dishes and fresh vegetables. There will be quiet time and the Parade of Roses and football all day.

Most importantly, there will be the man I love here with me - my best friend, my family - sharing in this New Year's Day. He's sleeping now, but not for long. No oversleeping on New Year's Day. That would set the wrong tone for the new year.