This is a good one Mare.

She said, in a somewhat insulted tone, "What. You won't say it?" which took me right out of the confused wondering in my head:  "Why did I just tell her to have a good weekend?  It's Wednesday for c-sake." 

Light dawns over Marblehead Harbor.  

"Oh, no, of course I'll say it."  pause.  "I was just wondering to myself... never mind. Happy New Year!"

I'm telling you, some days my brain is like pea soup.  In a fog.  Trying to get out of a box.  I am not worried about Alzheimer's or Senior Moments.  I'm busy.  And thinking about what is next on the list.  Where do I have to go, what do I have to do, who do I have to call, next?  It's a regular rat race in my head.  

Tomorrow is a new opportunity to stop the rat race.  Slow it down.  Pace myself.  Why am I always in such a hurry? I don't have an answer myself so I don't expect you to have one.  But maybe you have an idea or two.  [insert chuckle]

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions but I do know that it is important for each of us to find and set a goal.  Goals give us something to work toward.  

Whether it's a bad habit we want to rid ourselves of (you know, like that cellulite that follows me around everywhere - what?  That's not a habit?) or a better job, home, apartment, car, trip. Whatever it is that we think will improve our lives, and by the sheer standing next to us, the lives of others, we should do.  We all need a purpose, don't we?

Well, I think we do.  I'm fairly certain you'll agree with me on that point.  Without purpose, what's the point? Anyway, the lady at the store was a bit put off that I didn't respond immediately with my "Happy New Year!" wish.  And that's what made me realize I need to get rid of that rat race in my head.  For my own sake and the sake of those around me.  

We'll all benefit if I become more purposeful in my listening. 

So that's it.  That's my resolution.  To slow the rat race down by being more purposeful in my interactions with others; listening, speaking, observing.  It's really not to tall an order. I think I can manage it.

Happy New Year my friend.
Kathy

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce