For Auld Lang Syne

 Wow. 2014 was a great year! A lot of great things happened. A lot of great memories were made. We had some awesome times as a family. 

Like what, you ask?

Hmm... give me a minute... well, there was the fair. That was fun. And my son started school and all the firsts that come with that. We had a lot of fun playing outside. Hmm... I know there's more...

This is why I don't write Christmas cards. What happened to us this year? Stuff. Fun stuff. Good stuff. Stuff. The writer in me turns into a bumbling nincompoop.

Yet I know we had a great year. How? First, we're together. We have a warm place to call home. We have food in the cupboards. We are all healthy. We are all happy. That is how I know we had a successful year.

I've never been one to look back on times or remember specific dates. I look at pictures and remember how awesome it was. When it comes to New Year's, it's pretty much the same. This last year was awesome. Let's start the new one.

The poem/song Auld Lang Syne pretty much nails it, which is why it's one of my favorites. We all might be familiar with the first few lines and the chorus, but there is so much more to it. For reference, I've gone ahead and given the English translation below. {If you want some fun at perfecting your Scottish accent, click here for another version.}

Hint: auld lang syne translates to "old long since." Once you read it, you'll understand.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
  For auld lang syne, my dear,
  for auld lang syne,
  we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
  for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

 

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of thine!
And well take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

This is why it's one of my favorite poems/songs: it's about happiness, the kind that can last time and distance. The kind you raise your pint cup to. And at the end of a long journey, shouldn't that be the mentality? That no matter what, through it all, here you are, able to smile and laugh, regardless of the weary foot or the seas that have roared. You're able to look on the good days of picking daisies and paddling streams and have hope for the future. So hold tight to trusty hands and dance into the new year.

My resolutions for the next year? The same as always. Continue to be happy. Continue to make the choice to be happy. Continue counting my blessings and being thankful for all that I have, every day. Continue believing that I am tougher than the rest and to honor those that have taught me this. Continue seeing my beautiful strength and taking every opportunity to share it for the greater good. Continue. Continue.

Continue.

Are you ready 2015? I am.