Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne ?

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld Lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne !

I’m always a little sad on New Year’s Eve, though I’ve never told anybody that before. It probably has to do with the unknown . . . I can look back and reflect on what’s gone on the year before, but it’s impossible to know what’s coming in the new one ahead. Whether there are those not yet met who will become a part of your life. Whether the even-keeled path you seem bent upon so far along this road in the winter of your  life will remain relatively bump- and pebble-free. There, you see how easy it is to lose the high when you start to think of the possibilities of the unknown?

Meanwhile, I will reflect on the questions below and–if I make it to the middle of night, and I haven’t for several years now–I will lift an imaginary cup to remember old times, old friends and departed family members, for old time’s sake, and then tip it again to face unafraid whatever comes in the new year.

* * * * * * * *

• Do you make resolutions to follow every new year, and do you keep them?
• Did you do, or accomplish, anything in 2007 that–now upon reflection–surprises you?
• Are there any regrets over things undone the past year?
• What do you look forward to doing more or less of in 2008?
• What do you wish for yourself, or most look forward to, in 2008?