Countdown

A new year has dawned on all parts of the world. A Happy New Year to all my family and friends scattered across half the world.

Last night was peaceful and strangely lonely compared to a year ago when we had family from both sides seated around our new dining table cheering each other with apple cider from Albertson's. Last night, the Man and I were huddled beneath swaddles of blankets watching an awesome live performance by the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln center in NY and marvelling at the sounds that came from Joshua Bell's violin as he played an incredible piece with the orchestra. The finale - Bolero - was just spell binding. And then we switched to watch a million people gathered at Times Square to count down to 2008. And wondered where our Carynn was and why she had cut off all communications with us. And talked to Bean about home remedies for her food poisoning in between wishing her a more successful new year. And incredibly, the Man gave permission to Nic to sleep over at Marta's so wondered if she was making herself welcomed. And nagged the Half Man about spending too much time on the comp watching a funny man in bright yellow plastic boots and his family going about their antics rather than not enjoying the New York Philharmonic.

And amidst all these events, we made a couple of calls to a tiny red dot somewhere near the equator and found out to our great dismay that a certain young lady had decided SP was not for her and that she would be better off getting her credentials in the University of Life. If you are reading this, young lady, please know that in many job positions these days in large companies, a masters degree is often asked for. "O" levels are a minimum requirement for taxi drivers and factory operators. Even a floor shop technician needs a Poly diploma. So please listen to your parents and your aunts and uncles and finish your studies. My heart bled when I heard the news.

May all of you have a blessed 2008 filled with good cheer, good health, steady progress towards your goals and much happiness.