Things to Do

Did you know that this week is the Chinese New Year. So I thought I'd post about New Year's resolutions. Here's the twist. Resolutions are usually so hard to keep, so make it easy on yourself and just make 4 simple life-affirming promises to yourself instead.
Make up a seasonal schedule for yourself. In the Spring I will do "w." In the summer I will do "x." In the fall I will do "y" and in the winter I will do "z." Come up with things that will help you make positive changes in your life, such as:
* Spend an hour or two at your local public library with no particular book you're looking for...
* Get a massage.
* Drive someplace you've never been before and take a long long walk.
* Call a friend you have not spoken to in over a year.

Write these activities on post-it notes and then stick them on your calendar to co-incide with the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, an the Summer and Winter Solstices. Then make sure you actually DO them when you get around to that time of year.

Next time you have a party remember that everyone looks and feels better in dim lighting. If you want your party guests to feel comfortable, nothing (besides liquoring them up) helps loosen people up better than mood lighting!
Make sure you have no harsh glaring lights anywhere…
Red bulbs are too Halloweeny. So I suggest orange bulbs if you can find them. You can often find orange color in the bulbs shaped like candle flames. For the areas which require a little more light on the subject – perhaps in the kitchen/eating areas – use yellow party lights or the amber bug lights. I also prefer to use 40 watt – NOT the 60 watt strength.
And don't neglect the bathrooms either – make sure the lighting is bright enough so people can see what they're doing, but soft enough to provide a nice muted reflection back in the mirror – so they'll feel confident about how they look when they re-enter the party.

Most of us know the poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. But did you know it was never intended to be published over a hundred years ago? When Dr. Moore wrote what was originally called "A Visit From St. Nicholas" it was simply to amuse his own children. But a family friend loved it so much, she copied it down and had it published in the New York "Troy" Sentinel without the author's permission or attribution. It became an instant success. And eventually the author did get credit.

Now, a century later... it is still worthy of you spending a quiet moment with friends or family reading it just like they did in the olden days... Make some hot cocao or tea and start a tradition this year gathering round the yule log to read the poem aloud at midnight on Christmas Eve. Let everyone take turns reading the various rhyming couplets.

I'm not talking dancing or snapping your fingers baby... I mean before the weather starts to get too cold, go out and find yourself a swingset to swing on. You can find them at the beach or they're at public parks everywhere. Rustle up a friend to swing with you, or do it alone. Take the time to rock to and fro on a swing.

No, I really mean it... You'll be glad you did. Have fun!