I wished people a “Happy New Year” last year and the year still turned out pretty crappy overall. Apparently I have no pull in that department. Sure, there was a lot of good this year, but many crappy things happened.
“You should be thankful for the good!” some may say.
Screw that! Wrong holiday. Thanksgiving was last month.
When do we get a holiday to admit just how many crappy things happened over the year? To focus and wallow in the sheer crappiness of existence? To spur on depression to the point where everyone is driven to drink. New Years Eve, that’s when. In the wake of the holiday devastation, people cling together at parties with loud music to drown out the voices in their head and drink copious amounts of alcohol to silence thoughts of negativity. It’s depression follwed by denial, aided by chemicals.
The next day they nurse sore heads and face the fact that nothing has changed overnight and they’ve gotten the worst possible start on the new year.
In an earlier, more naive time, I might have been judgmental about this, but not today. Let them have their fun. Time’s winged chariot and all that.
So I hesitate to wish you all a Happy New Year in traditional fashion. As I said, I have no illusions that it will make a difference. But as I type this, BriWei has already IMmed me with his Happy New Year wish and I cannot fail to return it. So, let me at least extend to you the wish that you can stave off the crappiness that seems pervasive and focus on the good. I hope your New Year is happy!
Perhaps you can stick to your resolutions. I plan to have none. But I do have a plan to try to get more organized. Stay tuned for news of that effort’s failure!
Posted by James at December 31, 2004 3:15 PMNew Year's is a time to reflect on the events of the past year and decide what one has learned from them. For example, a major lesson I have learned is "don't buy footwear at Kmart." That's as close to making resolutions as I get.
A related activity, "the airing of grievances," is appropriate for Festivus celebrations.
Posted by: Julie at December 31, 2004 4:52 PMGee, facing the coming year with such optimism, how can you fail? ;-)
Perhaps we could do our outlandish predictions. I remember when we used to do that at your New Year's gathering.
I actually remember one of them coming true, too. My sister and her longtime boyfriend had broken up most acrimoniously. I believe it was James who made the prediction that they would get engaged. They did and are now expecting their second child any day!
So, in the spirit of outlandish predictions:
Dick Cheney will admit global warming is an issue and will spearhead efforts to do something about it.
Anyone else?
Posted by: briwei at December 31, 2004 6:46 PMOK. The ACLU will declare the Bush administraiton to be the best defender of individual rights out of any administration in 40 years.
Posted by: James at December 31, 2004 9:09 PM