Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Year in the Life



2008 is (and very-soon-to-be was) a year composed of 525,600 minutes, just like any other year before it and any other year to come. But for each one of us, it has made an especially strong impact in our lives in one way or another. Some people will remember it for special countless smiles and LOL moments; some will remember it for heart-rending grief and tears that will last for years to come.

It has been a time for joyful reunions, as well as for painful partings of ways. It has been a year for the discovery of things unexpected and unwarranted, yet also a year for the re-affirmation of steadfast desires and beliefs.

Joyful or tragic, I believe this year -- and every year for that matter -- is marked by love. It doesn't matter whether your asshole boss or your mind-numbingly exasperating neighbor has been pissing you off. And so what if boredom or despair -- the kind that makes you want to slit your wrists -- threatens to overwhelm you sometimes? In the words of one of the world's foremost geniuses: "Shit happens."

Negativity of any kind is negated in certain timeless moments.

1. Like a child's belly laugh when you hug and tickle her. The realization that your child is growing up to be even more of a smartass than you or his/her other parent -- and you secretly liking that no matter how much you may complain about it.

2. Like intensely serious yet humorous conversations with friends and family, lively and heated debates replete with cuss words that you nevertheless know are filled with love, but which those not in the know might misconstrue. Which makes such conversations all the more fun!

3. Like breathtaking moments that really do take your breath away when you least expect it: seeing something that's so indescribably beautiful, tasting a new dish that defies description, experiencing an epiphany that shakes one's personal universe to its very core.

4. Like the memories of the sound of a voice that's as caressing yet as intimidating as the sound of waves breaking on the reef, the sound of a heartbeat underneath your cheek when you lay your head on his or her chest, the indescribably enthralling and breathtaking (see point #3) sight, smell, and taste of skin at dawn's first light.

5. Like the movie-esque dramas and comedies that usuallly make up the better part of the day, but which we can't forget no matter how much we try...well, not at first, at least. But deep down, do we really want to erase them from our memory? Especially if they're accompanied by earworms we would never admit to enjoying; the cheesier the song, the better!

No matter what kind of year you're having, I hope it ends well. I sincerely hope we all experience 2009's 525,600 minutes in ways that would enrich our lives and those of the people around us -- in the universal ways that transcend barriers of culture, language, sex, and religion: music, pictures, and well-chosen words. Such things make as laugh, cry, dream, feel.

I especially wish for all of us to experience the New Year in that thing called love. Because it makes everything so worthwhile. Whether disguised by humor, by general smartypants-ness, and by exasperation, and whether given or received -- or both! -- it's priceless.

May the 525,600 minutes of 2009 and beyond be blessed for all of you. Happy New Beer Year!

14 comments:

Photo Cache said...

great post. happy new year to you. here's hoping for more fun, and insightful, and wacky, and sometimes downright silly posts from you in the coming year.

needless to say, i have enjoyed coming over. now if you could arrange some coffee with my visits for next year, that would be perfect :)

good health and peace of mind to you and yours this coming year.

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

You are sending us out with a though provoking yet encouraging post. Thanks. Happy New Year, Lizza...

Mimi Lenox said...

To my lovely friend,

May love be yours in the coming year and may all you wish for in your heart of hearts - come true.

I will be here to witness it, rain or shine.

Hugs,
Mimi

Maire said...

And Happy new year to you too!

Sony said...

A happy new year to you too, Lizza. A wonderful post. I've been away too long and enjoyed catching up on your words.

You'll hit 2009 about 13 hours before me -- let us know how it is. We'll catch up here in the States soon enough. :)

Terra Shield said...

Happy New Year Lizza! :)

Daddy Papersurfer said...

I love love as well love ...... and really it's quite easy to do as well and seems to work most of the time ..... there are always exceptions of course - the world ain't perfect .... even Mary Poppins was only 'practically perfect'.......

Have a beer on me young Lizza and a great big *blogsnog*!!!!!!

Scott from Oregon said...

Hope 09 is mighty fine...

Travis Cody said...

That is one of my favorite theatre songs. I hope your moments in 2009 bring more of the things that you love best.

Anonymous said...

Happy new year to you Liz from Bazza.
I hope to be blogging again soon!

Anonymous said...

That's lovely, Lizza. Happy New Year & Beer to you!

Anonymous said...

hope 2009 is a fantastic year for you Lizza xx

H said...

Lizza darling. lovely post. Happy New Year my dear. I hope this one brings you many good things.

love and hugs.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

The Beatles said is best and most succinctly: All you need is love.

Thank you for your visit to my site. Now that I know you're here, I'll belly up often.

And of course, I wish you and yours a delightful and beautiful New year.