The Approaching New Year

AULD LANG SYNE

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old times since ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well-known in many English-speaking countries, and it is often sung to celebrate the start of the new year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. Follow this link for more information; Auld Lang Syne.

Happy New Year to everyone, enjoy the celebration, be safe and look forward with anticipation to the new year called 2009.
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Time Well Spent

“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.” -Unknown

The year is drawing to a close and a new one quickly approaches along the horizon. We have done so much this past year, gathered new friends and greater purpose in our lives. We have also lost loved ones, missed opportunity and in some ways lost time.

“Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine; but lost time is gone forever” -Samuel Smiles

The older we become, the more precious this time becomes. Those in their younger years that realize how to make use of time early, find that they can accomplish so much more. Time given to others in love and friendship; time given to make their world a better place to live in.

As we hold onto these remaining minutes of 2008, think of what is to come in 2009. We are not given an eternity in this life. Find a way to use the time we do have such that you will not be grasping onto every final minute. So that time will have been felt well spent.
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Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel
1653-1706

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After Christmas Boxes

"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein

Here it is, December 26th, the day after Christmas and also considered "Boxing Day" in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, certain areas of Australia.

It is health-wise a dangerous time for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmia's, and heart failure. The medical emergencies are referred to as Merry Christmas coronaries. People tend to indulge a bit much and the body can react in a 'not so favorable' way. So be careful in your celebrating by being aware of your eating and drinking.

It is also the day after all of the 'good feelings' and 'good intentions' of gathering. When the reality of a house full of family and friends can cause just a bit of anxiety or grief. The niceness of each of us begins to wear a bit thin and tensions can rise a notch.

In an article by Beth McHugh from a couple of years back called, "Coping with Christmas & Family Gatherings", she offers a few tips in dealing with the stress a holiday can bring.

I have shortened the description and encourage you to read the full article. My comments are in italics.

1. Take a leaf from the magazines and be prepared.
Prepare yourself in advance of the holiday. Don't wait until the last moment to be left looking for ideas for gifts, activities or things fill the day.

2. Look after yourself physically in the lead up to Christmas.
Do not try to 'over do it'; meaning moderate the eating and drinking and find time to relax and actually enjoy the day.

3. Plan something pleasurable to do on the day after Christmas.
The good feeling from a holiday should linger and allowing yourself the pleasure of something good the following day will help with relaxation.

4. Try to bear in mind the real meaning of Christmas.
There are religious reasons for celebrating Christmas as well as non-religious ones. Find the ones that make it meaningful and a time to reflect.

5. If you habitually come away from a Christmas family get-together feeling bad, then look at ways that you can make a difference to someone outside your family this Christmas.
Visit friends or find a charitable organization to help with Christmas meals or celebrations. Helping others that need it is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

This day after Christmas will be filled with a lot of different people doing a lot of different things. Just remember to keep the colors of Christmas Day in your heart and mind the day after Christmas and for all of the days that follow.
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