Hop into a New Year

Another year is almost over and we are marching into 2011.  The years seem to go so fast.  I see this especially with friends with kids.  One day they are just born, next thing they are walking and talking.

I have to say as I look back it has overall been a great year.   It hasn't been without its challenges and stressful moments, but we have been very fortunate overall.  I think the number one thing I am grateful for is our health.  I say this because we had a scare with my dad this year and we were very lucky things turned for the better.  I know others have not been so lucky so we should be grateful each and every day that we feel good!  My co-worker just found out that his wife has terminal liver cancer and may live a year if she is lucky.  They have a three year old daughter and are overwhelmed with sadness.   So I say to myself...if I am not in that kind of situation I should suck it up and be happy for the life I have.

With age comes wisdom.  This is true.  As I get older I feel more at peace with everything.  My perspective on what is important has solidified and I feel very comfortable in my own skin.  I know what I like to do with my time and who I like to do it with.

So as 2011 approaches, I am excited.  I can't wait for spring to get back to into the gardens.  Friends will be popping with new little ones.  We can get back into our farmer's market Saturdays and eating all the delicious bounty that we acquire.  I can't wait to go to the new Holes Enjoy Centre when it opens!!!

So I hope 2011 brings everyone good health and luck.  The year of the Tiger is winding down and in February the Chinese gauntlet will be handed to the Rabbit.

2011 - Year of the Rabbit
A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year.

Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.

A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.

Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible

Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.