Goodbye 2009

It’s been a year of fond memories and a year I would just as soon forget. It caps off a decade of turmoil in the world, a changed economy,

Our apprehension and preparation for Y2K 10 years ago now seem almost quaint. In a much more innocent time, the worst we could anticipate involved possible computer glitches and crashes and how long it might take to sort out the problems. It didn’t happen. We slid effortlessly into the new millennium, with excitement and go, go, go fervor

Now we are ready to plunge into 2010. What might this new decade hold and how has the past decade affected our outlook?

An interesting article in the Los Angeles Times this week Kava 'anti-energy' drink takes root in the Southland - latimes.com made me think about the 2010s being the antithesis to the 2000s. The latest popular drink is Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda, part of the latest trend in anti-energy drinks. Is this the new Red Bull or Rock Star replacement? I was intrigued by this drink to soothe our frazzled minds and souls. I think it’s the start of a whole new way of life for Americans.

Recent years have brought us the slow food movement, with more emphasis and availability of locally grown, fresh food. One of the most popular products among all age groups has been the Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves, suggesting a need for comfort and cocooning in this recession. The popularity of yoga, often billed as the  antidote to life in the fast lane, has soared.

I'm convinced that these new products and trends are indicators of not only what people want but what people need to deal with these challenging times. So goodbye to 2009.  I’m ready for the new decade to begin.

When Irish eyes are smiling

It's time to get back. It's hard to believe it's been two months since I've posted anything, but life has a way of taking a course that's different from anything one might have expected. I've learned this year to manage my expectations better and to realize that many things that occur in our lives are out of our control.

This is wisdom gained from being laid off from work as well as from maturing, mellowing, and entering a new period of life. I've often described this year as a time "in transition," between jobs, searching for the next satisfying career step, and creating a more fulfilling and worthwhile personal life. But really isn't all of life "in transition" from one phase to the next...one can plan and set goals, but there are the curve balls that test us, our resilience, and our ability to rebound and keep going with the hope that things will get better.

This latest life "curve ball" has been one of the worst things a person can endure in life...the loss of a parent. I am unbearably sad that my dear mother passed away on November 2 after a very short illness and 11 days in the hospital. She was far more ill that she -- or we -- had realized so it happened quite suddenly.  My sister and I had been there with her during her time in the hospital so were able to keep her company, to chat, and to let her know that she was surrounded by people who loved her. She was so happy that we were there with her. 

During that time and the time we spent in Indiana after the funeral to take care of my mother's home and her estate, I was immensely grateful that I wasn't working, that I had the time to devote solely to my mother. I wasn't encumbered by thoughts of work going undone or responsibilities I'd neglected. I could be at peace with taking care of my mother's needs and give her my undivided attention (as my sister was also able to do -- we were very fortunate to both be there together). 

In this case, my lack of a job was a blessing at such a dreadful and sad time. It takes time to recover (if one ever really does) particularly at this time of year, when we would have celebrated my mother's birthday on December 1 (also my birthday) and with Christmas approaching. These were always very special days in our family; we took celebrating and gift-giving seriously.  But I'm slowly, slowly creeping back to reality, with the love and support of my dear daughters, my sister, my friends, and my wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins. Life goes on and so will I.

My mother was known, when she was young, for her beautiful blue eyes and dark hair; she had both the Egan and Mann families in her beauty. My sister and I recalled my mother singing "Danny Boy" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" to us when we were children and I thought this was most appropriate in describing my mom: 

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring.

In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing,

When Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay,

And When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure, they steal your heart away