Good Riddance, 2009!

I am ready for 2009 to be over. Time to put it behind us and move on!

First though, we have to say 'good riddance' to certain things. Here's my partial list of what should be left behind when the calendar flips.

1) Anything with the name "Gosselin" on it,

2) Anything to do with Tiger Woods,

3) Anything to do with the long, rambling, inconclusive and vague discussion about health care reform,

4) Any more horror stories about the end of the world because there's a recession. There have been recessions for years and years. This one is no different. The economy is cyclical. Hello!

5) Snuggie commercials,

6) Any more recaps of the Casey Anthony story, all of which has been repeated endlessly,

That's just a few. How about you? What are you ready to leave behind?




~*

Sawadee pi mai... 2008

สวัสดีปีใหม

It is 2008 in Thailand so this is when I will come out of lurkdom to wish everyone a wonderful New Year.

I know it is traditional to come up with a laundry list of resolutions but it's just not how I do things. I believe when we cloud ourselves too much with specific expectations, we miss too many good things that come along with simply remaining open. One of the things I've found most challenging is to wake up each day and say "yes". Say yes to any opportunity that may present itself that will allow me to give something to someone who might need it, to recognize the importance of being; being available and being conscious. I want to be present and available for the good things that come in small gestures, exchanged words and gentle kindnesses.

So that is my wish for everyone this year. May you always wake up and say "yes".

S'wadee pi mai.


~Chani

Sawadee bpe mai....

It is 12.01, January 1, 2550, at this very moment in Khon Kaen, Thailand. So, for me, the New Year has begun.

(*Note: This post was written before I knew about the bombings in Bangkok and the cancelation of New Year's celebrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. May peace be with my Thai and farang brothers and sisters. Sunti phap.)

My wishes for this coming year:

1) ... that the US will get out of Iraq, bring the soldiers home and work on finding a new way to settle disputes,

2) ... that those who suffered through Katrina will finally get some support from the government,

3) ... that all who need food will have it,

4) ... that all who need shelter will find it,

5) ... that all who need medical care will find it available,

6) ... that all who want an education will receive it,

7) ... that peace will become a priority throughout the world,

8) ... that all children will be safe from exploitation; sexual and commercial

9) ... that all who are lonely will find companionship,

10) . that all will find their souls content, fulfilled and joyous.

สวัสดีปีใหม่

Sawadee bpe mai,

~Chani