New Year 2022

So, here we are, on the cusp of another year into the new millennium. Can you believe that it’s been over 20 years since we made that monumental transition? When I was a kid, I imagined that we’d have flying cars (à la The Jetsons) by the year 2022. But we’re not quite there yet. And judging the way some people drive traditional cars, I’m not sure that I’d want them “driving” the friendly skies.

As expected, I’ve heard people talking about their New Year’s Resolutions. It’s the same typical mantra….lose weight, exercise, blah, blah, blah. Of course, most of the same people were making the same resolutions last year, And the year before. And the year before that…The happiest people this time of year is, no doubt, gym owners. Years ago, when I was a regular gym rat, I used to dread the month of January. You could always count on droves of “resolutionists” flooding the local gyms and causing major back-ups at the treadmill. Of course, this only lasted for a few weeks, Once Planet Fitness blindsided them with pizza night, it was game over.

My resolutions are modest and obtainable. For instance, my good buddy Chad has been on my ass to watch “Yellowstone”. I have started that path and I resolve to conclude it in early 2022. Keeping it simple is often the best approach…

There was a time when I looked forward to New Years Eve. It was always a fun night to be spent with family and friends. We would often party into the wee hours of the morning. But somewhere along the way, I got old. Nowadays, I’m asleep well before that famous ball even starts its decent.

No doubt, it’s been another challenging year. Most people would have thought that we’d be out of the COVID woods by now. But Omicron crashed the party and, well, here we go again. Let’s hope that 2022 will be the year that we can finally say goodbye to the Coronavirus and all its unwelcomed variants.

And as I finish up with this one, I just learned that beloved actress Betty White just passed away. She was a breath of fresh air, even at the age 99. Rest in peace, Betty. And thank you for being a friend 😉

Whatever plans you might have for the evening, please be safe and healthy. Wishing you and yours the happiest of New Years. 

kw

 

 

 

 

 

A Christmas Message 2021

 There was a time, not so long ago (at least it doesn’t seem that way), when I would gingerly make my way down the stairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa had left behind. There was always a tinge of concern that there might not be anything. I would weigh the “naughty” versus “nice” moments from the previous year as I descended into the living room. I am happy to say that Santa never disappointed….

These days, that same anticipation has transitioned into watching my grandkids tear the wrapping from their gifts. And there’s never any need to weigh the "good" versus "bad" moments. Because as any grandparent will tell you, grandchildren are the perfect angels and could never do anything wrong. 😊

As I take a little quiet time for myself this morning, I look forward to the busy day ahead. Tina is preparing to wake up to her latest birthday (I won’t tell you the actual number because that would definitely fall into the naughty category). Sharing a birthday celebration with a guy named Jesus Christ is a lot to handle. So, I’d better make sure that I have a fresh pot of coffee waiting for her when she makes her way downstairs.

Christmas is a great time for reflection. This will be the first year that we’ll be celebrating the holiday without Tina’s mom, Evelyn. And it’s also our first Christmas without my beloved cousin and mentor, Virginia. While they have left this earth, they remain with us in spirt as we regularly relive all the great moments that made them so special. And today will be no different.

No doubt, it’s been a challenging year in many ways. But as we prepare for Christmas Day and move into the New Year, try to focus on the positive things in your life. Nothing is guaranteed in life, so don’t take things for granted. When you gather with family and friends later, take a moment to appreciate them. And don’t leave any compliments or endearments on the table. Tell people how you feel about them now.

I’ve found that being kind to people is one of the main keys to happiness. Not only do you have the potential change a person’s day, but through a random act of kindness you can also change a person’s life. These can be the simplest things. If you see someone without a smile, give them yours. There’s no telling where things could go from there…

I recently heard a rather profound statement. It went something like this...”Anger is the punishment that we give ourselves for other people’s mistakes.” Think about that for a minute…

As you celebrate this special day, please keep our troops and first responders in your thoughts. And take a moment to remember Officer Keona Holley of the Baltimore City Police Department. She was senselessly gunned down while on duty last week. May she rest in peace and may her family find the strength to get through this difficult time.

In closing, I’d like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. And thank you for being a part of my life…

kw