Happy New Year, 2013!

January 1, 2013

"Happy new year Maritza!!". "Happy new year Alyssia!!".
What is this we've been hearing all day. We don't remember hearing it before. It doesn't seem familiar. what does it mean?....we ask our Daddy & Daddy said, "the whole world celebrates the coming of a "new year". When the earth makes a full cycle around the sun and so do the people that inhabit it. The earth renews itself. It is once again in the position it has been in 365 days ago. The third rock from the sun and its animals follow a very predictable pattern. We as human beings follow a different path. We have the ability to choose our paths, we can change our pattern from year to year, or keep it the same, if we like. That is why the new year is so important for most. We can look back at all of our accomplishments and all of our mistakes. All the events that have changed our lifestyle, way of living, and way of thinking. A look back as if judgement day was upon us. There is an abundance of treasure in the gift of memory. Every moment is a gem, from the most common, everyday lessons, to the rarest, valuable forms of education through our hardships. Avoiding the past, is to be ashamed of it. Yes, we should never dwell on anything, instead, we should observe. Be our own observer. We must learn from example, and what better example then the one we have lived through this past year. The one we had front row seats for, all year long. The "new year" is first, a celebration of the old, a fantastic capability to look back at it all. To know you made it. To have all that behind you. Ready for a new.

 The word new-from what we know- is a clean, refreshing Like our new coats or our new boots. Or, better yet our new Christmas toys. So when we hear about a new year we want one too!! Daddy says "it's not like that but it's something like that." Huh? He said "it's like it's brand new. A new perspective, outlook, beginning, and hopefully attitude. Like a new toy right out off the box." Then we wanna see it. "You won't be able to physically see it" he said. "The new year is like an imaginary clean slate, which you can do what you will. Or, you can leave it in the box and wonder as you stare at it through the plastic.". "Can we play with it?", we both asked. "Not really, but if you think about it; yes you could probably play with it"-"So can we?", we asked abrubtly. Daddy chuckled, paused and said "you will get your chance. Unfortunately. you won't know if you played with the new year until it's over". With a bit of confusion in our minds we replied "That's not fair"Daddy quick with his words said, simply "Life's not fair girls. I'll teach you that". Observing the frowns on our face, he then added "It will be a ride to remember. My slate is like most. Filled with plans and maps on how my hopes and wants will unfold in the new year. The joys of spring. The energy of summer. The fun days at the beach, the pool, and the parks. Relaxing by the water, having a picnic, and the fact that I have my two girls with me, is the major plus to any year; and let's not forget you start school this year, Maritza". "Schooooool, yeaaaa......does this mean I won't see you and Alyssia all year long", I asked with concern. "No, it doesn't. You will be with us the entire year, from beginning to end". A sigh of relief expelled from my body as Daddy went on to tell us. "There are some who make the most of the "new year" and some who don't. There are those who are a victim to life's  circumstances & there are those who are a victim to their own circumstances. Those who will not let themselves remain a victim; work on change. It is a daunting task. It takes a lot of effort, time and dedication. Too much at times but we get through if we try. We look to the NEW Year as a way to give us that incentive and motivation to change. Even if it's minor . It's a lot to take in so look at this year 2013 as if you were sitting in a new car and Daddy was driving....
Buckle up. Sit back and enjoy the ride."
That's what will do and that's why we love our Daddy.
Happy New Year!!!!
We can't wait to see it.