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.