Happy New Year

2008!  The year is one hour old and I sit here listening to songs playing on my computer and firecrackers going off in the distance.  At least I think they’re firecrackers…

I took my mom to Santa Cruz this afternoon.  I got off work around noon and on the way home, called my mom to see if she wanted to head over to Santa Cruz one last time before the year was out.  Not that we get over there that often, but I wanted to try one more time.  I was happily surprised that she said yes.  I’ve learned over the years to keep inviting her to do things, regardless the number of time she says no.  She’ll eventually say yes, I just have to keep asking.  So, I was quite happy that she said yes.  I told her that I just wanted to go over for an early dinner and a walk on the pier, to enjoy the ocean and calamari!  I told her I would be there in half an hour and to be ready to go.  She was.  We bundled into the car and off we went.

We chatted about this and that on the way.  The traffic was relatively light and we were there in no time.  I was sad upon arriving to find the restaurant we normally visit was closed, but several other restaurants on the pier were open, so we walked for a while and then found one that would take us right away and that would have a table by the window so we could have an ocean view while dining. 

I love going to the beach, sitting and watching the ocean ebbing and flowing.  It wasn’t really rough today, but it wasn’t calm either.  It matched my spirit, actually.  It matched how the I’ve been feeling lately, somewhat peaceful, yet anxious, restless.  Not sure if it’s just the time of year, or something else, something… 

We both enjoyed our calamari dinner and then walked a bit before we got back in the car for the drive home.  We were in Oakdale by eight.  I dropped her off at her house and then headed home to get ready to see the new year in with family members and some games and television.  I know… party animals.

So now we’re two hours into the year and I’m finally getting tired.  Dan Fogelberg is playing in the background and I’m getting melancholy.  His music has always touched me and the melancholy is more so now that he’s gone.  “Souvenirs” is all the more poignant. 

And that’s how I will leave this first post of the New Year, with bittersweet memories.  But it’s OK.  Life is a bittersweet experience.  I want to go home, but I’m required here more, so I stay, but not without the longing for home. 

E’en so Lord, come quickly.