An almost perfect New Years Day

I don’t believe in a lot of things. I don’t believe in magic, I don’t believe in horoscopes or the aligning of the stars, but I do have one little tradition that, even thought I try to deny it every year, makes me behave a certain way the first day of every new year. It is the notion that whatever one does during the first twenty-four hours of the day, come to reflect on how the year will likely fair. So, even thought my scientific mind tells me otherwise, I become very conscious of what happens and what I do during this one day and hope it comes true, or false, depending on where I find myself at the end of the day.

The weekend was different from the beginning by the fact that we had a full house of friends that came to celebrate the New Year with us. The weather rewarded those that drove many hours to be here with a couple of spring-like gorgeous days that were more appropriate for walks on the beach than cuddling by a fireplace anywhere. There was an unusual amount of people walking, bicycling and enjoying the beach, and even some brave surfers and sea kayakers could be seen from time to time. Another difference from previous years was that the meals at home were assigned to different couples so we were treated all weekend long by delicious meals at all times of the day. Did I already said that I ate too much?

Spending an extended amount of time with friends that we have known for years, makes even introverts like me feel somewhat at ease. And being able to hide in my bedroom from time to time, and no one feeling offended by this, makes it even more special. There were many opportunities for sitting around to talk and I noticed a lot of curiosity about our life on the beach and especially about how relaxed I am about being retired, and not doing anything about it. I managed to put in a plug for my blog to anyone that would listen but I’m afraid my readership is not bound to increase since everyone is just so busy in their daily lives and careers that they are afraid my blog would just relax them so much that their pulse may just drop out of the detection limits. Nevertheless, I’ll continue preaching the values of the AARP lifestyle. They’ll get around to it eventually.

Below are some of the activities on which I participated during the first day of 2008 (and what they may be predicting for the rest of the year):

1) Woke up bright and early without any hangover and fully aware of my surroundings right by my wife's side (Good health and likelihood of remaining happily married).
2) Read an Inc. magazine article about financial scams and followed it up on the Web (Reading and challenging the intellect)
3) Assisted the designated breakfast-chefs on what to do with eggs and corn tortillas to come up with a half decent breakfast. (Helping others in need).
4) Worked on my online classes and replaced a few deck boards from the waterfront deck that were showing heavy wear. (Self-employment and lots of home repair projects).
5) Bicycled about four miles for no reason at all. (Time for exercise, travel and leisure activities).

6) Was involved in the preparation of the three meals I had. (Will continue to be closely associated with the kitchen, will continue to overeat).
7) Went on a short walk on the beach with Michelle, and picked up some litter on my way back. (Time for friends and for helping Mother Earth)
8) Took pictures of the first sunset of the year (Appreciation of nature and time for hobbies – photography).
9) Early evening sitting around the table with group of friends. (May all my future interactions be with good friendly people)
10) Quietly sneaked out of the conversation and went to bed early. (Continue being a wonderful host. Continue to build up on my recently acquired AARP behaviors).

Other of my favorite activities (fishing, watching dolphins and the early-morning walk with my wife) I couldn’t squeeze in, which made the day less than perfect. But hopefully there will be no negative implications for not being able to fit them in.

May my two readers, and any other new visitors have a Perfect 2008!