Year Of The Guppy

Last year, I declared 2018 to be the Year of the Iguana. This year, because I have the power, because I have the will, because I have an Artsy Update, I declare 2019 the year of the Guppy! 

I can do that. I can declare it, I really can! 

The holidays are coming to a close, and I suppose folks will start straggling back into work next week to get a respite from their travels, parties, and vowing what they will do differently next year. I would prefer not to promise myself things I know I have no intention of doing. 

The new year comes at an arbitrary time on the calendar.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it means Head of The Year.

The Chinese calendar kicks off the New Year at the first new moon and floats between January 21 and February 20th. The 2018 new year, The year of the dog started on February 16th.

The Romans celebrated New Year in March. Some remnants of the old calendar remain Sept = 7 not 9, Octo = 8 not 10, Novo = 9 not 11, Dec = 10 not 12.  So there you have it. 

The new year has gone shifted over time. But, in 1582 Gregorian Calendar reforms restored January 1st as the first day of the year. So now we celebrate January 1st. 

It's evident that humans can agree on almost nothing, religion, politics, or even when to start the new year. I can't agree with myself most days. 

Civil Defense Hint Of The Day: If I were some hostile government, I'd probably plan an attack on January 1st. You'd find three people on duty and most of the others with a hangover. 

Celebrating is fun though. I like a wee dram of whiskey as much or more than most.

I love remembering the good times and looking forward to more good times. I enjoy getting all Auld Lang Syne (Times Gone By) and kissy-face and I like congratulate myself for making another year. I suppose everyone does. 

We all make plans to be better versions of ourselves at this time of year, and I do believe we mean it at the time, but it's easy to lose focus as time passes between your resolution and reality.  

How will I maintain focus this year? 

I'll keep my goals in front of my face. 

1. Post this blog every week
2. Write and draw daily
3. Prep for the Appalachian Trail 

In general, I will do my best to play the game of life on my terms. I will:

1. Play Hard
2. Play Fair
3. Be Kind

What's on your mind for the next year?

Whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck and the conviction to make your heart's desire a reality.

Until next week, Happy New Year, and I wish you peace. 

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