Hurray! It's Friday.

[No Elephants]

Usually, every December, once Christmas passes, I get irrationally optimistic about the new year.

I usually participate in some rituals, like cleaning out drawers, cupboards, etc. and throwing away stuff I don't think I'll need anymore. ("Out with the old.")

I make foods for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day that look like prosperity and/or money, like green or gold colored things and/or pricier things than I make every day. And, yes, if I have the ingredients and feel like it, I will make my version of Hoppin' John (gold-ish blackeyed peas and rice) with a side of spinach (greenbacks) and caramelized onion (gold-ish) because I don't make collard greens. Some people make cabbage (greenish) or cornbread (gold), too.

In part, I do that stuff because it's tradition and fun and humans apparently like ritual. In part, I do it because I honestly feel that the new year has a good shot of being a better year, not just for me and mine, but for the country and the world;and I am celebrating that.

Hope springs eternal, so they say.

Do I know that time is an arbitrary concept and the alleged start of a New Year has moved around the calendar through the years (March 25 in colonial times in the US, to name just one--and vernal equinox makes more sense anyway)?

Yes, spoilsport, as a matter of fact, I do know all that.

But, my head does not prevail on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, I'm irrationally expecting everything to come up roses in just a few hours. And what, prithee, would it profit me to try to break myself of that annual bout of New Year optimism? Nothing, except to rob myself of some joy. So, be off with you and your knowledge.



Friday, however, is even more fun. Last day of the week for school. We were conditioned to love that, for good reason. And, somehow, the school year calendar stays in our viscera long after we stop being students. Even self-employed people will take off Saturday and Sunday, even though other days might make more sense for them.

Most people don't have to work, or work as much on the weekend. And Friday evening, being only the very start of the weekend, is usually a good time for a totally guilt-free kick back.

Chores and errands, we can start to worry about Saturday morning. Church, some of us can worry about or look forward to, or ignore, as the case may be, on Sunday. (Making Sunday dinner remains a tradition, even for those who don't go to church.)

But Friday evening usually is just for exhaling and fun. I am especially happy to see the end of this particular week and I am hoping for a better one to start, so very Happy Friday!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlyXNRrsk4A&list=PL808DAB9C1EBF96D6&index=1

[Enthusiast]

1. Happy Friday.

:)