Out With The Old, In With The Timeless

At this juncture in time, the familiar year end retrospectives begin. The top musicians of the year, favorite movies, books, the famous and infamous. Occasionally I take note and visit memory lane all the while assessing my own progress or lack thereof. Since this is *my* blog, well, I'm going to talk about the person I know rather intimately...myself. I have always dreaded New Years Eve, even during the most fulfilling times of my life. As a naturally reflective and sensitive soul, I tend to gravitate toward the human interest stories, those that evoke pathos and remind me of a greater calling. The last night of each year is a tsunami of reminders. The could have, should have, and would haves, if only. The men that got away, the mom I miss, the hope that my friends and family will sail through the next 365 with ease and reckless abandon. 2008 added a dimension to my melancholy that I never expected and quite candidly, am having internal discord with. I have company. I'm a PUMA, you know?
Rather than reiterate the sordid details which haunt our dreams and still provide a platform for us to remain vigilant, I will simply post a bit of news that brought me a much needed smile today.

Dec 30, 2008 7:03 pm US/Eastern
Clintons Selected To Drop Times Square Ball On NYE
NEW YORK (CBS) ―

The New Year's Eve Ball for 2009 is double the size of previous balls and 20 percent more energy efficient.



Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, will kiss 2008 goodbye on the world's biggest stage this New Year's Eve.

That's because Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the Clintons will have the honor of pushing the ceremonial button that signals the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball to begin lowering at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday night.



Bloomberg announced the selection on Tuesday morning.

"I can't think of anyone I would rather stand at the crossroads of the world at the beginning of this new year than Bill and Hillary Clinton," Bloomberg said. "Both together and as individuals, Senator and President Clinton have brought hope and opportunity to New York, to the nation, and to the world."

This year's Times Square Ball is double the size of previous balls and is covered in 2,668 Waterford Crystals. Weighing nearly 12,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet in diameter, the ball is 20 percent more energy efficient than last year's – consuming only the same amount of energy per hour as it would take to operate two traditional home ovens.

Organizers of the New Year's Eve party say the bigger, brighter ball will remain in place all year atop the building at 1 Times Square to celebrate other holidays including Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween.

As for the "2009" numerals that will light up upon the ball's descent, each numeral stands 7-feet tall and nearly 5-feet wide, and weighs about 500 pounds.

About a million people are expected to fill the streets of Times Square for the annual bash.

What better way to usher in the new year than with the very people who brought our movement together. Hillary Rodham Clinton is still the queen, for it is always the royal ones who are invited to attend the ball.


My best wishes to all for a new year we can be thankful for.
On a personal note, the following is dedicated with a loving goodbye to "him".



And most importantly, my son. As a member of liberal academia, you have risen above the rantings and outrage of your puma mama, and remained steadfast in your own belief system when casting a vote in your first election. Your brilliance and candor will serve you well, and in your youth, you manage to keep *me* grounded. My love for you is unparalleled. Carpe diem, P.
With Luv to all, Petunia