DEAR ALIZARIN: For Auld Lang Syne

First, above is a link to answer all the silly questions about what does "Auld Lang Syne" mean. Jeez, didn't anyone learn about Burns in high school? We aren't really supposed to understand it.

New Year's Eve.

As my dear friend said a few hours ago: "Phew, I now have plans for New Year's Eve and the rest of my year is set."

As I am reading the wonderfully meditative The Life of Pi, it is curious to think about our obession with time and marking time and keeping time and filling time.

Which brings to mind my viewing of one of my favorite books/movies, About a Boy, in which the main character divides life into units of time to be filled. A concept I am reminded of as I move into my two month break from school. There is always the adjustment period on how to move from a rigid schedule to none at all.

And then there is that 'magic' moment where in our minds the numbers flip like the countdown from Lost from 2-0-0-5 to 2-0-0-6. As if this is more important than each minute that passes us into a new year. Is it? Why, despite all this logic, do I still anticipate that moment -- marking it, enduring it, and getting on the other side of it?

I recently read a piece, I think in the Yoga Journal, about intentions versus goals. So, at some point over the next 24 hours I will think of my New Year's intentions/goals/ resolutions and look over the ones from last year (see the essay on the essaying page). Maybe I'll post them here, just to hold myself more accountable.

Cheers!
Lychee