At the End of the Year

It is the last day of 2011.

And that sucks.

When I was a kid, time seemed to pass so slowly--I remember that it took FOREVER for summer vacation to arrive, never mind Christmas!  Now, when I need time to slow down so I can process everything, it seems to have sped up, and everything is now a blur.

Part of this blurriness may be technology related. There's all sorts of electronic devices competing for our attention, and they are so very pretty and shiny. The internet has all sort of interesting pictures, stories, people, that can be accessed in an instant.  Smart phones, video games, etc., all keep us focused on things that maybe, just maybe, aren't that important.

Is it really that important that Kim Kardashian has a big butt?   Is it really that important that Charlie Sheen acted crazy to get out of a contract?  Is it really that important that this current bickering Congress sucks more than a hooker at a truck stop?

No to the first two.  I'm still thinking about that last one.

It IS important to tell the people around you that you love them.  It IS important to hug your children close every day, if you can.  It IS important to hold hands with your spouse.  It IS important to be in the moment at every opportunity.  I need to be reminded of that more often.

I think that is what I need to work on in 2012.  It will be hard to put the smart phone down; because it is probably smarter than me.  But I am going to make an effort. Unless the smart phone tells me not to. 

Happy New Year, everyone!