There are a lot of ideas I had for a New Year's post.
However. I'm keeping it simple.
I wish for 2012 to be a kinder, gentler year than 2011.
2011 was a bit of a bitch. On crack. 2010 was her whore of a mom.
A friend of mine told me that the whole hype of 2012 being the "end of the world" was a bastardization of the real meaning. The real meaning of which is "get your shit together or the shit will really hit the fan for you in 2012."
One way to try and make sense of so many difficulties and challenges coming in like endless torpedoes for both of us the last two years.
So last night in my email I got a letter from my old me to my future me. I'd forgotten I had written it, and it made me cry with both gratitude (for having made it through some difficult times) and compassion for my old self.
I'm doing it again and recommend it to all.
Futureme.org
Wishing you all a great 2012!
Showing posts with label New Year's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year's. Show all posts
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Friday, December 31, 2010
Of Egrets and New Years
The other day I was driving to work and an egret nearly flew into the right side of my car, veered, passed me, and began a straight path of flight right above my hood and ahead of it by only a few feet. It was like it was leading me somewhere. Or it happened to just be traveling straight down the street I take to work. It did not fly up above the cars, but was literally in front of my car flapping along in traffic.
Odd.
Then, two days later, nearly the same thing. Only this time the bird flew alongside my car for an entire block.
Odd times two.
A week later I was walking BC around the block and as we rounded a corner, an egret was perched on top of a chain link fence we were passing. It had a lizard in its mouth. As I passed him by, I swear he looked at me. Then swallowed the lizard.
Two days later at the park an egret flew down and landed right smack dab in my path. With a lizard in its mouth. Which it proceeded to swallow while I watched, amazed.
I have no idea what it all means.
But my friend Movie started a new blog, of synchronicity and distraction.
And I know she’d like this odd little story.
Happy new blog Movie (do we still call you Movie or is it Sync now?).
Happy New Year Everyone.
2010 was not my favorite. Same with 2009. Still, they had their moments and even the tough stuff has led me here.
But I am ready for a break on the tough stuff.
I’m hoping 2011 will be the start of that better place for all of us.
xoxo
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Year's Eve on Oahu
New Year’s is special here in Hawaii. If any of you ever want to get out of the cold one winter break, come on over here and spend New Year’s Eve in Waikiki. If you are also after tropical paradise in a more isolated and Bali Hai type setting, just book Waikiki for New Year’s and head to the outer islands or the North Shore of Oahu for the rest of your trip.
I had no idea what went on the first New Year’s Eve I lived here. I was working my way through college as a cocktail waitress at Bobby McGee’s and was in a nightclub the whole night. However, the following year I was off and went to a party with a guy I was dating. New Year’s Eve parties over here are family affairs. They are giant potlucks. Board games are played at card tables. Children and teens and adults who like things that go boom are thrilled with the fun of setting off skyrockets, fountains, spinners and sparklers. Women from several generations tend to hang at the tables, organizing games and chatting for hours. Dads, Uncles, and grandfathers watch over the fireworks tables set up in garages and make sure that the children and teens don’t bring matches or lit punks into the area. Children set off fountains of fun for hours.
The evening is centered around fireworks. Firecrackers. Sparklers.
Have been told it is the Asian influence in Hawaii. The noise and flash has something to do with clearing out the past and making way for good fortune in the year to come.
The island looks like Main Street at Disneyland from about an hour before dark (think anxious teens who sneak one or two off when no one is looking) until well past midnight.
“Illegals.” Those professional only fireworks shot from a cannon like cylinder up into the sky. Yeah, black-marketed like crazy and it seems someone on every block is privy to how to get them.
I leave my house with my potluck dish around sunset, and as I drive across the island to my friend’s party, my kids (now 20 and 17) shout with excitement as blasts of color bursts go off left and right and ahead and behind as we drive.
My friend lives on a hill overlooking Waikiki, Kaimuki, and Kahala. She has a deck set up with tables and chairs and a buffet of yummies to last the night.
Her carport has a ping pong table for the teens. Along the side everyone leaves a contribution to the fireworks fun.
The kids this year range in age from 12 to 19. There are ten of them. The house next door has another six teens and four kids around ten. Eventually the two groups hook up and share ideas for fireworks adventures.
The home I went to for years (their kids are 23 and 20 and off the island so they stopped hosting the party), well at this house, the dad challenged his son and his sons’ friends with building a house that would not blow up. The boys and the dad would spend the day constructing buildings that looked like doll houses. They would put these houses on a table set in the street and drop firecrackers into them all evening until the houses disintegrated one by one. The last house standing would win. The dad is an engineer and he always won.
Every house hosting a party saves their best fireworks and a “25,000” string of firecrackers until the big show stopper at midnight. The homes with the illegal aerials and skyrockets save enough for a grand finale. This year, it was like a competition to see who could put on the best show.
While the adults stood in the yard admiring the skyrocket extravaganza, the teens had put together a roller coaster of firecrackers down the street, complete with fountains and spinners.
A good time was had by all.
If you book a vacation during New Year’s, get a room with a balcony facing mauka (mountain). Town is where the real show is this night.
Driving home, back across the island, it is like patches of fog. The smoke from the firecrackers is that thick. This is not a vacation for someone with asthma.
Oh. And the crowd young enough to go a night without sleep? They watch the sunrise on the first day of the new year from the east side of the island. Daughter and friends went to Lanikai.
I had no idea what went on the first New Year’s Eve I lived here. I was working my way through college as a cocktail waitress at Bobby McGee’s and was in a nightclub the whole night. However, the following year I was off and went to a party with a guy I was dating. New Year’s Eve parties over here are family affairs. They are giant potlucks. Board games are played at card tables. Children and teens and adults who like things that go boom are thrilled with the fun of setting off skyrockets, fountains, spinners and sparklers. Women from several generations tend to hang at the tables, organizing games and chatting for hours. Dads, Uncles, and grandfathers watch over the fireworks tables set up in garages and make sure that the children and teens don’t bring matches or lit punks into the area. Children set off fountains of fun for hours.
The evening is centered around fireworks. Firecrackers. Sparklers.
Have been told it is the Asian influence in Hawaii. The noise and flash has something to do with clearing out the past and making way for good fortune in the year to come.
The island looks like Main Street at Disneyland from about an hour before dark (think anxious teens who sneak one or two off when no one is looking) until well past midnight.
Fireworks are legal and sold EVERYWHERE. From fireworks stands set up in parking lots to each and every grocery store on the island. Firecrackers of a certain disciple need a permit, which is fairly easy to obtain.
“Illegals.” Those professional only fireworks shot from a cannon like cylinder up into the sky. Yeah, black-marketed like crazy and it seems someone on every block is privy to how to get them.
I leave my house with my potluck dish around sunset, and as I drive across the island to my friend’s party, my kids (now 20 and 17) shout with excitement as blasts of color bursts go off left and right and ahead and behind as we drive.
My friend lives on a hill overlooking Waikiki, Kaimuki, and Kahala. She has a deck set up with tables and chairs and a buffet of yummies to last the night.
Her carport has a ping pong table for the teens. Along the side everyone leaves a contribution to the fireworks fun.
The kids this year range in age from 12 to 19. There are ten of them. The house next door has another six teens and four kids around ten. Eventually the two groups hook up and share ideas for fireworks adventures.
The home I went to for years (their kids are 23 and 20 and off the island so they stopped hosting the party), well at this house, the dad challenged his son and his sons’ friends with building a house that would not blow up. The boys and the dad would spend the day constructing buildings that looked like doll houses. They would put these houses on a table set in the street and drop firecrackers into them all evening until the houses disintegrated one by one. The last house standing would win. The dad is an engineer and he always won.
Every house hosting a party saves their best fireworks and a “25,000” string of firecrackers until the big show stopper at midnight. The homes with the illegal aerials and skyrockets save enough for a grand finale. This year, it was like a competition to see who could put on the best show.
While the adults stood in the yard admiring the skyrocket extravaganza, the teens had put together a roller coaster of firecrackers down the street, complete with fountains and spinners.
A good time was had by all.
If you book a vacation during New Year’s, get a room with a balcony facing mauka (mountain). Town is where the real show is this night.
Driving home, back across the island, it is like patches of fog. The smoke from the firecrackers is that thick. This is not a vacation for someone with asthma.
Oh. And the crowd young enough to go a night without sleep? They watch the sunrise on the first day of the new year from the east side of the island. Daughter and friends went to Lanikai.
This post is linked with Sundays in My City. Head on over for more unique photo tours.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010. FINALLY.
I know I mentioned a beach, a somewhat off the charts secret beach for today’s travel post.
New Year’s Resolutions/Intentions/Goals
Since 2009 kicked my fucking ass big time, I have to say I am looking forward to 2010. A LOT.
Here’s my spin from last year. I would say, in terms of meeting those goals, I was more or less treading water. Meh plus one.
I have been exercising somewhat regularly. I lost 12 pounds in 2009, but that was because I could not eat for three weeks, during the bottom pit of hell of unbloggable. However, things have been getting better and I haven’t gained the weight back. My daughter has been bugging me to buy new jeans since the ones I have are all baggy. But I’m waiting another month to see how permanent this new size is. Plus, the baggy jeans are oh so comfortable.
Well, this year I think I will go with the word goal. Plus be more specific. Last year I was somewhat vague and had somewhat vague results…
Pseudo’s Goals for 2010
Continue my morning sacred routines BEFORE coffee and internet time.
Finish the memoir book I began in nanowrimo and have a completed first draft by summertime.
Live with Grace and Gratitude, no matter what is going on around me.
Happy New Year and wishing all of you the best in 2010. Strange how this thing called blog has changed my life and brought so many wonderful friendships into my life. I am truly grateful.
For more New Year’s spins, head on over to Sprite’s Keeper.
Last sunset photo of 2009.
Link on up with Mr. Linky and join in Traveling Thursdays.
However.
The holidays falling on Thursdays this year calls for bending the rules. Oh wait – there really are no RULES. It’s a blog, my blog actually. Since the chances of me writing two posts in two days (plus bring in the New Year with friends and family) and doing the posts right – well the odds are stacked against it.
So I’m traveling to the Land of Good Intentions today.
The Spin Cycle.
New Year’s Resolutions/Intentions/Goals
Since 2009 kicked my fucking ass big time, I have to say I am looking forward to 2010. A LOT.
Here’s my spin from last year. I would say, in terms of meeting those goals, I was more or less treading water. Meh plus one.
I have been exercising somewhat regularly. I lost 12 pounds in 2009, but that was because I could not eat for three weeks, during the bottom pit of hell of unbloggable. However, things have been getting better and I haven’t gained the weight back. My daughter has been bugging me to buy new jeans since the ones I have are all baggy. But I’m waiting another month to see how permanent this new size is. Plus, the baggy jeans are oh so comfortable.
Well, this year I think I will go with the word goal. Plus be more specific. Last year I was somewhat vague and had somewhat vague results…
Pseudo’s Goals for 2010
Continue my morning sacred routines BEFORE coffee and internet time.
Finish the memoir book I began in nanowrimo and have a completed first draft by summertime.
Live with Grace and Gratitude, no matter what is going on around me.
I could go on, but I'll keep it simple and hopefully accomplishable.
Happy New Year and wishing all of you the best in 2010. Strange how this thing called blog has changed my life and brought so many wonderful friendships into my life. I am truly grateful.
For more New Year’s spins, head on over to Sprite’s Keeper.
Last sunset photo of 2009.
Link on up with Mr. Linky and join in Traveling Thursdays.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Spin Cycle: 2009 “Resolutions” and Positiviality
Sprite’s Keeper is having her weekly Spin Cycle and with New Year’s it’s about resolutions. I wasn’t going to post any since A) I haven’t made New Year’s resolutions in a long time; because B) I feel like a loser when I’m unable to keep my resolve. But the waters of better intentions always do look so inviting.
In Sprite’s post about the spin she mentions “Lay it out for the blogosphere, maybe it will help you stick to it, you know, witnesses...Maybe you're looking for a resolution to a problem that's been plaguing you. Ask for help here!"
I believe putting one’s intentions down in writing can be powerful. Making it public does add the peer pressure element. So, I swished my toes in and tested the water.
Movie mentioned the word intentions versus resolution. I think it was in a comment thread. But I liked it. I was willing to wade in up to my knees.
Thistle put up her spin and gave me the idea of taking things one goal and one month at a time (and she stole the idea from Brandy). Ah. OK. I was ready to walk up to that first wave and take a little dunk.
Then, my Mom (don’t get me wrong internet I love her dearly) decided to be especially difficult this holiday season and has been drinking and dialing me on a daily basis.
So I decided to get my fucking body board and head out into the deep blue ocean.
First up. Positiviality. Something I have been using to keep my head above water for two and a half years now. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through the six months of treatments, one of the silver linings was that it gave me the inner courage to speak my mind when necessary. A prime example is my mother. She cannot help but talk major nasty shit about people when the mood hits her. Usually it’s about people I love, like my sisters, or their spouses, or their children. I used to feel that I could just loan her an ear and let her get it out. However, when I was going through cancer treatments I figured I needed to be as positive and nurturing to myself as possible. Using my ear to funnel invective into my psyche seemed counterproductive. I started telling her I wasn’t up to listening to her be negative and judgemental. At first it really pissed her off. But truly, how brutal are you going to be to your daughter when she just had poison pumped through her veins?
Apparently she thinks I’m out of the woods enough to get me back on that horse. Uh. I don’t think so.
Despite the setbacks that have appeared recently, I am determined to stay calm, stay centered, and stay positive. I will only succumb to the temptation to pretend my cell phone signal is having difficulties, make static noises and yell, “Hello, hello, hello, mom I can’t hear you,” and then hang up on her when I am extremely desperate.
Not allowing myself to get sucked into others’ bad moods or destructive behavior patterns is probably one of the most uplifting things I have done for myself, ever. It even works when my husband is OCD/anal, whatever one wants to call it. I just straight up tell him he’s being a weenie and if he thinks the house needs to be vacuumed two days in a row, by all means, go for it. But to please do it without raining his anxiety attack all over the rest of it.
Other than not letting other people cast me in their negative nets, I have some general goals for the year.
Sunrise. It's a New Year.
In Sprite’s post about the spin she mentions “Lay it out for the blogosphere, maybe it will help you stick to it, you know, witnesses...Maybe you're looking for a resolution to a problem that's been plaguing you. Ask for help here!"
I believe putting one’s intentions down in writing can be powerful. Making it public does add the peer pressure element. So, I swished my toes in and tested the water.
Movie mentioned the word intentions versus resolution. I think it was in a comment thread. But I liked it. I was willing to wade in up to my knees.
Thistle put up her spin and gave me the idea of taking things one goal and one month at a time (and she stole the idea from Brandy). Ah. OK. I was ready to walk up to that first wave and take a little dunk.
Then, my Mom (don’t get me wrong internet I love her dearly) decided to be especially difficult this holiday season and has been drinking and dialing me on a daily basis.
So I decided to get my fucking body board and head out into the deep blue ocean.
First up. Positiviality. Something I have been using to keep my head above water for two and a half years now. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through the six months of treatments, one of the silver linings was that it gave me the inner courage to speak my mind when necessary. A prime example is my mother. She cannot help but talk major nasty shit about people when the mood hits her. Usually it’s about people I love, like my sisters, or their spouses, or their children. I used to feel that I could just loan her an ear and let her get it out. However, when I was going through cancer treatments I figured I needed to be as positive and nurturing to myself as possible. Using my ear to funnel invective into my psyche seemed counterproductive. I started telling her I wasn’t up to listening to her be negative and judgemental. At first it really pissed her off. But truly, how brutal are you going to be to your daughter when she just had poison pumped through her veins?
Apparently she thinks I’m out of the woods enough to get me back on that horse. Uh. I don’t think so.
Despite the setbacks that have appeared recently, I am determined to stay calm, stay centered, and stay positive. I will only succumb to the temptation to pretend my cell phone signal is having difficulties, make static noises and yell, “Hello, hello, hello, mom I can’t hear you,” and then hang up on her when I am extremely desperate.
Not allowing myself to get sucked into others’ bad moods or destructive behavior patterns is probably one of the most uplifting things I have done for myself, ever. It even works when my husband is OCD/anal, whatever one wants to call it. I just straight up tell him he’s being a weenie and if he thinks the house needs to be vacuumed two days in a row, by all means, go for it. But to please do it without raining his anxiety attack all over the rest of it.
Other than not letting other people cast me in their negative nets, I have some general goals for the year.
Exercise regularly
Be greener.
Stick to eating healthy and my vitamin regimen.
Be creative.
Take time for myself.
Be better with money.
Practice and role model what I preach to my children a bit more and preach a bit less.
Obviously, I’d be overwhelmed to find doable goals for all of these intentions from the get go. So I’m going with thistle’s monthly idea.
January’s Goal…..
Do my morning yoga, breath exercises, and reflection before I have coffee and go on the internet.
PS thistle, I apologize for seemingly copying your January goal, but it really was something I had been meaning to get to.
PSS Question to the internet….. Anyone out there know how to get an 81 year old woman to stop picking at people?
Sunrise. It's a New Year. Peace and Joy to all.
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