Don't Let the Door Hit You...2013

It's easy to think badly of 2013 because it had some low points, but any year that leaves you still standing on the very last day isn't all bad. Still, I'm glad to have a brand new year in which to continue the good fight. Important things will take place in the 12 months that lie before us. Things like: hiking, camping, writing, family visits, reading, time with friends, and a hundred more things at least. I put hiking and camping first because those activities always improve the mind and the mood which are necessary for all the others that follow.

I'm well-stocked with books and companionship. A nice bit of non-monetary wealth to begin the year. Not so well-stocked with free time. Maybe one of my resolutions will be to quit whining about having time for myself. (You can only hope)

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and, more importantly, make tomorrow a memorable day. Start off on the right path then stick to it.

Lost in Space

The last time I wrote in my blog was December 8th. I got derailed by the season as its pace became frantic, demanding more time and energy than I could spare. Just before Thanksgiving, a new baby joined our cast of characters. Already tired out from Thanksgiving, I was dealing with a cat who was quite sick. That problem was brought under control, then she was diagnosed with diabetes. My mantra for a few weeks was, "Are you freaking kidding me?" While I was trying to maintain my orbit, my oldest granddaughter turned five. An important birthday for all concerned; a step over the threshold leaving babyish things behind and entering the domain of childhood proper. We had guests for a few days but they stayed in a hotel, making it a different style of visit. Less intimate. The winter solstice arced through our cold and dark psyches and was much-appreciated for all that this short day implies. Winter can never be over with unless it first begins. Christmas happened. I always feel like I've had my head held under in a barrel of water until Christmas arrives. On Christmas morning, the hand holding me down is lifted and I can breathe again. I don't think this is in any way a proper feeling to have about Christmas, but that's my truth. In fact, it occurs to me that the barrel has become part of my holiday ritual. Guess I'd better do something about that. New Year's Eve is tomorrow and I love the arrival of each and every new year. Beats the hell out of the alternative, eh? I'm one of those fools who makes resolutions. It seems like most people think it's a waste of time, or maybe all the people who love making their hopeful lists are too busy fine-tuning that new set of goals to care what the naysayers are nattering on about. I accomplish, in part, most of my resolutions. I've even added a new dimension to my ritual: a condensed history of 2013 to remind  future me what was going on during these years that have started going by so fast.

I don't feel lost in space any longer. My trajectory is improving, getting further from earth's gravity so I can survive getting hit by any number of event-meteors, as long as they aren't too large. Splashdowns happen, and 2013 has brought several of my close friends into the troposphere. I've been there myself. Pretty soon earth's orbit will launch them back into the stratosphere where we all belong.

The newest member of our tribe

Indoctrination

Stay strong.

New Year's Eve 2012

My Japanese houseguest woke up on December 31st and asked if we could return to Park Meadows Mall for more shopping. I had a moment of panic as I remembered our previous visit. Images of the crush of people, the constant noise, and the hell of getting out of the parking lot all flashed through my brain. I tried to think of someplace, anyplace that would serve as a substitute. For some reason, Cherry Creek Mall jumped into my memory and then into my mouth. (figuratively speaking, of course) I made the suggestion, he quickly checked out the mall on his phone, and Big Smile! The Cherry Creek Mall would be acceptable. (Score!)

The most amusing part of my two hours roaming the mall, was when a man walked by me with his one pant leg ripped. He was in his 60s, conservatively dressed, and walking at a normal pace. What caught my attention was that his left pant leg was ripped up the back, all the way up to mid-thigh. The pieces were flapping as his walked, so it wasn't like he hadn't noticed. I could see his black crew socks, white skin and a great deal more of his thigh than I was prepared for. I had to admire his aplomb. How the hell do you rip your pants like that at an upscale mall? I truly wanted to know the answer but didn't have the cojones to ask.

In the evening, I made dinner for the family. The younger people were going to a New Year's Eve party in Westminster. My job was to fix up beds for their later return, babysit my granddaughter, then pick up the partygoers after midnight. I suspect the party was the highlight of our young guest's visit. He was having a wonderful time when I arrived just in time for the countdown at midnight. There was a lot of laughing, hugging, and dancing going on. The poor guy had to get up to go to the airport about 3 hours after going to bed, but he woke up as cheerful and pleasant as ever. I don't think I've ever met a more congenial person.

Next to the Last Day of 2012

We took our Japanese guest, at his request, to Park Meadows Mall yesterday. I don't know if it was the frigid temperatures or post-Christmas madness, but the mall was crazy busy. We had a difficult time even getting out of the parking lot. But his shopping was a success and well worth the ordeal. (almost)

Today was our trip to Boulder. We had lunch at The Med with friends then walked up and down Pearl Street. Again, very cold. Still cold. Obnoxiously cold.

I'm making a very usual dinner (for us) at home tonight. Roast chicken, potatoes, beets, and green beans. Afterwards, he wants to go someplace "interesting". God help me, but I don't know anyplace interesting to take him. He likes to go to the clubs and I'm a tired 60 year-old. My daughter is having a New Year's Eve party tomorrow night and he's going. Then he has to be at the airport by 7:15. He says he'll sleep all the way home to Japan.

I'm going to have a nice New Year's Eve, mostly at home. I'm half of a designated driving team, a babysitter, and I have my own ritual of writing as the year comes to a close. I just have to get through tomorrow first.

Having fun at the mall.