Chatting with the New Year

Well Hello, New Year. What do you have to say for yourself?

Oh, I don't know, I'm actually still just sitting here in the waiting room reading this magazine -- I'm not to be officially instated til midnight, you know.

That's right, but what a perfect moment for us to chat a little. Once you are THEE year, I doubt you'll have much time for this kind of nonsense.

Oh, I don't know. I have a bit of a contemplative nature. I hope to have a few spare moments to sit back and relax a little.

So is that the kind of year you plan on being? One that isn't always stirring up commotion?

Well . . . what do you mean by commotion exactly?

Oh, you know, some years seem to enjoy shouting. They like giving you things to remember them by like new babies or big moves or unexpected happenings. Some just seem to stay under the radar.

I see. Yes, I will say that some of my predecessors have been a bit more volatile than I am. Take 2008 for example -- moving you from one state to another, tossing you into an unexpected new home, gifting you a small boy.

2008. Yes. He was a bustling sort, wasn't he -- though, not nearly the wild one that 2005 was.

Ahh yes, 2005. I remember watching him. He was just restless. Got bored letting things sit around and stagnate much.

So, back to you. What's your plan 2010?

I think I'm a bit more moderate, but I'll be honest, it is hard for us years to know exactly how we'll respond once we're in charge. Sometimes it goes to our heads and we do crazy things -- sometimes we just, well, feel differently about things during our later months than we did early on. And frankly, I may as well tell you, you are perhaps simplifying us a bit. After all, we are quite adept at resting here while raging there.

I see. That does make sense. Do you have any plans in regards to my family?

Ohhh, you're trying to trick me now -- now that you've got me talking. You know I can't really give out that kind of information. I will say that I wouldn't mind seeing you and yours try a few new things during my short reign however. Like that husband of yours for example. I'd enjoy seeing him embrace mayonnaise and pickles during my stay.

Oh, 2010, I think you might be a more bold risk taker than you made yourself out to be with such lofty goals. I'm afraid the chances of that are most unlikely. Why not something a little more reasonable -- like, I was thinking that perhaps you might enjoy seeing Jesse stop emptying the bathroom cupboards and drawers this year. Maybe you'd even be interested in seeing how he does with no garbages around to empty.

Well, that might be an interesting development. But it's not all me you know. Sometimes it's you humans doing the decision making. Haven't you heard of New Year's Resolutions?

Oh yes, of course . . . it's just I don't think those are Jesse's New Year's Resolutions . . .

Well, I didn't realize we were still speaking about Jesse and his tendency towards destruction. I rather enjoy watching him at it myself.

Hmph. You would.

I'm not the only one. I've seen 2009 chuckling many times as he watches Mike run to stop Jesse from breaking a cupboard door.

Well, yah, he is pretty cute -- for all his naughtiness.

But, we've gotten sidetracked. What I was getting at was what about you, Nancy. Don't you have any resolutions? We new years enjoy not only bringing what we bring, but seeing just what people plan on doing with us.

That makes sense. Huh. I hadn't planned on this being about me though -- you know, it was about you. But, I see your point. Yes, I do have a few plans. A few "resolutions," if you will. Nothing big -- a few changes. A bit more of this and a bit less of that.

Sometimes those little changes turn out to be something big after all, Nancy.

Hmm. I quite like that.

I thought you might.

Well, thank you 2010. I know you only have a few hours left to yourself now, so I'll leave you alone with your thoughts, but I think you are going be an OK year. I think that you and I will get along just fine. I'm eager to see your plans as they unfold -- you seem wise.

I hope I'll prove to be, and, I'm eager to see your plans unfold as well, Nancy. I'll do my best to accommodate them.

Well, thank you. I'll see you tonight then -- good luck being rung in and all that. I hope you don't mind that my kids haven't yet uncovered the ritual about greeting you at midnight.

Oh, I understand. Don't worry. Truthfully, I think I'll find it amusing to see the look on 2009's face as he hears them banging their little pots and pans with him still the boss for a few hours.

Alright, well, goodbye then.

Goodbye Nancy. I'll see you very soon.