#2017cometh

So just to clarify the title, a regular at Cask Cafe deemed me such and told me last night, it’s gonna be the year of the Cajun Queen. He also asked me what I wished for in the new year. I’ve never been asked that directly, it got me thinking because honestly I just shook my head in hopeless, non-expectant manner. Let’s be frank here, my expectations these days is super low, I don’t know if it’s due to what the past has scarred me with or because i don’t have a lot of hope in humanity these days.

What I can say about the new year is that I plan on practicing a more mindful nature. One which allows me to connect with others while shooing the rest aside. I’ve gotten older. I’ve grown in some ways. I’ve tweaked my sense of outlook on the world. This year for me was a lot of financial struggle. I feel like I’ve been in a pit of monetary despair for quite some time and I’m wondering when am I due. I hate relying on such things to make my world a little shinier, but hey, we all have bills to pay and tires to buy and mouths to feed and socks without holes feel better. I was also quite complacent this year which I don’t really like seeing in myself. Why did I think it was better is beyond me, I’m not much of a pacifist by any means.

This year for me was quite an aloof year. Nothing amazing happened and nothing horrid happened...to me that is, but a lot of outside crap did. My aunt died and so did a lot of old friends and friends’ parents, the house was broken into, I worked with the meanest people of my life and never put them in their place, I didn’t travel at all, the CW isn’t on Hulu anymore, I mean a lot of crappy things this year...Oh. Wait. Did I mention most of my adolescent cultural references left a big gaping hole in my newsfeed? From David Bowie to R2-D2 to Phife Dawg...I mean the deaths have been in rapid and significant succession this year. 

The number 17 is and has always been my “lucky” number. It’s the day I was born. When I’m cruising around town, I always notice if it shows up frequently --- the license plate in front of me, the check number on my food order, the minutes for the emergency room wait. It all is a sign for my attention. Superstitious as it may be, I know that any time that number shows up a lot, something significantly good or bad is about to happen to me. So for me 2/17/17 is looking like a whole year of surprises meant just for me!

What I wish for in 2017 is simple. A happier life. A life that isn’t compromised in any way. A life which enjoys and laughs and dances a lot. A life that allows me connection and recognition of those dots. I want to be inspired and excited creatively and I want to go forth doing the things I’m passionate about -- writing. helping others. traveling. doing well at my job and kicking ass and taking names. I want to believe this nation will find the good in itself and not go down in a ball of hatred and ignorance ( **holds breath** ).

What I wish for others? I wish for them to grow. I wish for them to laugh as much as possible and to not take things or rather, people for granted. I want more honesty and less tongue biting. I want a continual brainstorm of ideas and successes and openness. Actually, I want you all to have a homework assignment for 2017, a list of 10 things you have to do for the entire year and document it. Less saying, more doing. Feel free to return the favor. 

As the clock strikes midnight tonight, let go of the past. The past is done. Kiss your loved ones, wish your friends well, tell your family you love them and thank you for being there unconditionally, and don’t make a pact to quit smoking, to go on a diet, to stop drinking soda -- those things don’t need a new year, it needs you to decide to do those things no matter what time of year, instead, consider less limits and more adventure. Ready? Set? Go... 1. Visit one place you’ve never been to in your life.

2. Make a meal for someone.

3. Start a photo journal and tell a story.

4. Volunteer some place...doesn’t matter where or how many times just do it at least once.

5. Take ONE day off the grid - no phones, computers, or technological devices.

6. Visit someone who had a significant impact on your life and tell them.

7. Write a letter or send a postcard.

8. Go see one band or musical artist you have no idea about or you may not have considered going to.

9. Watch a “Classic” movie you’ve never seen, ie. for me it’s casablanca for some it’s Star Wars (mind blown)

10. Learn someone else’s belief system or their culture, whether it’s going to their church, having a discussion or studying it..you don’t have to mock it or have it be some conventional organized religion, it could be a Native American sweat lodge or a Wiccan ceremony.