Happy New Year 2009!

Another New Year is here – I can hardly believe that it is already 2009. Yesterday, at a friend’s annual New Year’s Day party which I’ve attended for the past 10 years, a few of us “old folks” commented on the party in 1999. Everyone that day was already sweating Y2K and what was going to happen as we approached the turn of the century. It doesn’t seem possible that 10 years has passed so fast and the Y2K scare turned out to be a non-event for most of us. Funny how time travels on in spite of our apprehension and fears.

At the party yesterday there didn’t seem to be a common thread for conversations. Of course, we all had to relate our own personal stories of how our retirement funds have taken a big hit in 2008, and how fast things are changing around us in every aspect of our lives. One attendee was celebrating a semi-retirement, another shared her plans of beginning law school this year, and another shared his dreams of moving out of the United States to Costa Rica. Over all, as far as I could see, the conversations floating around were on the lighter side of life, and with the help of an abundance of champagne and wine, we all were in a very celebratory frame of mind! It was a wonderful party, the food was delicious (everyone ate their share of black-eyed peas and turnip greens), and the friends, both old and new, talked, laughed, and enjoyed the afternoon.

When the conversation drifted to making resolutions for the new year, I don’t recall anyone saying that they were making any this year. I know that for myself, I thought about making one or two, and decided against it. Instead, we joined in multiple cheers and clinking of glasses, all wishing each other everything from health, wealth and wisdom to “One More Year!” And I guess, in actuality, this is what New Year’s Day is all about – hoping for the best in the bright new year, and yearning to find a path that will lead us safely and gently through the coming months until we meet again at Beth’s house next January 1 to celebrate 2010!

Happy New Year, and from me to all who read my blog, a resounding “ONE MORE YEAR!!!”