Old Cowbelle: 2012!

• Ina Murray

Ina Murray

Talk about it

I just recently got used to writing 2011, and here it is 2012!

I wonder how many out there will be making New Year’s resolutions? I used to, but would often break them by Jan. 2. Maybe I will anyway, and make a better effort to keep them? Maybe.

But I can’t seem to think of any that I really want to keep.

—Like, cutting out chocolate? (Not possible.)

—Cutting down on coffee? (No, because a cup of coffee calls for something sweet to go with it, like chocolate.)

—Walking on the gazelle more often than I do? (Requires some effort on my part, requiring me to do it.)

—Throwing away things I really don’t need? (Requires more determination than I have. Fear that it might come in handy someday. Great depression throw-back.)

—Turn off the TV when politicians begin degrading each other? (Instead of seething and letting my blood pressures rise.) None of it really matters at all.

—Try to keep all corners clean, like I used to do when I was younger? (Get real, Old Cow, it’s not possible at my age.)

—Try not to worry about the dozens of people in my extended family, that they are safe, at peace and prosperous? (No, just say blanket prayers to cover all of them, wherever they are and whatever they are doing.)

Naaah! I guess I’ll just think positive, pray a lot, trust God…and stumble on into the New Year, muddling along as I have done in the past. Life is too short (and getting shorter) to worry about trivialities overly much.

My prayer for you all is that 2012 will be the best year you’ve ever had, and that it will just keep on getting better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just for fun I looked up Norwegian New Year traditions on the internet. Wow, it seems like my Norwegian ancestors were (are) a rowdy bunch!

For Norwegians, New Years is a time of celebration, amusements and carousing. (?) with a lot of zeal and fervor. Children go from house to house, singing, and in turn receive gifts or treats.

Traditional food for the day includes pork, lamb and turkey. Eating pork is considered to be a symbol of abundance of food and resources for the continued year.

A sweet rice pudding is often served, with one almond hidden in it. The person who is lucky enough to find the almond is believed to have a year of abundance, with good health and fortune.

The celebrations go on all day, until midnight, when fireworks are displayed.

It also stated that some people can be found, celebrating quietly at home. (Sounds like the way I celebrate New Years Eve.)

Please be sensible as you celebrate and drive safely!

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