Uncategorized | Cynthetics

So you think you had a bad year? I have read and heard a resounding echo of ‘good riddance’ to 2008. Blogs, twitter, articles, op-eds . . . it’s every where, we all agree, something (or everything) went awry in 2008.

When I and the people around me are collectively having a bad day, week, (or year), I usually equate it with a false alignment of the planets creating a pull on everyone’s psyche. For instance, Mars forgot to move for a couple of minutes. 2008 was riddled with misalignment in the universe and caused people to do wacky things. We overextended ourselves, got greedy, consumed too much, and let it all hang out while still in the midst of a war. The year was a roller coaster that started several years ago. Maybe some of our gravity was lost from time to time, causing the roller coaster to speed out of control. If it were not on tracks and we were not belted in, we would have been propelled into space disintegrating instantly. Hopefully everyone kept their seat belt on.

But enough is enough. Now it is time to slow the roller coaster down and peel ourselves from the seats. I know, I know . . . you lost $20,000 in stocks; your pension has been depleted; your neighbor got a mortgage handout; you are worried about your employment, etc. These things are not monsters, it’s called “change.” And when we are riding at the highest point of the roller coaster, we don’t want change. We are resistant to change.

I can’t say that 2008 was bad at all. No, I did not win the lottery, get a raise, buy a new car, or even pay off all my debt. I accepted change. For me (a Virgo), that is extremely hard. There are many people in my life that will have conflicting opinions on how I handle change, and I’m sure some of them are not flattering. But now that we are in the throws of change, let’s not forget what got us here. None of the offensive actions of 2008 would have happened if it were not for a collective ignorance of what is going on around us. But now that we are here, in 2009, it’s time to make wiser decisions.

As sure as the days are really short right now, you have probably created (on paper or in your mind) your new year’s resolutions. Consider the following for 2009:

1. Things will always change. It may not be for the better at the moment, but you can “change” that.

2. Consider living by your own commandments (make them short and simple)

3. Loose the “crap” in your life. (whatever that may be. Things, bad jobs, mean people, etc.)

4. Do something good with the rest of the “crap” in your life. (sell something, volunteer, fix it up and reuse it.)

5. And if you almost got propelled into space by the roller coaster, ride a smaller one!

Ending with a lot of upbeat quips like “git ‘r done!”, Nike’s “Just do It” or “The World is a wonderful place” would just want to make everyone puke. What I will be happy to provide instead is a swift kick in the ass. So if you are in need, feel free to respond, e-mail, or call.

Since it is the holidays, I wanted to talk about my favorite subject . . . my family!! Most people who have seen the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” can garner some familiarity with some part of this movie. Whether you are an only-child or one of many children, you probably have a crazy uncle, a cousin everyone gossips about, or a parent that has made a point of embarrassing you in front of others. I’m not Greek, but I can totally relate. Trade the Ouzo for red wine, and the lamb for sausage and you have the same big fat crazy family except Italians.

The Characters:

My brother Vinny (the oldest living alter boy . . . I mean “stunt boy”)

My brother George (the only one who has a french name)

My brother Dean (as in Dean Martin. My parents drank and smoked a lot in the 60’s)

My father Vinny (Vincenzo if it was his mother calling)

My grandmother Antonietta (She’s almost 100!)

My mother Claudette (the half Italian half French woman who named my brother George)

My cousin Joey Two Times (the oldest of all the Italian grandchildren)

This list is quite extensive, but these are the main characters. Of course I can’t forget my Uncle Joey, my Aunt Carol, and my favorite half French cousins Dougie, Eugene and Deborah. A little French, a little 50’s, a little crazy!!! The French came through Canada, (sneaky bastards). The Italians came through Ellis Island (where a lot of other mobsters came from to hide their identity . . . just kidding).

The holidays hold the best memories. They include waking up in the morning and storming down a set of carpeted stairs in socks. If one of us didn’t fall on our faces, that was a start to a good morning. Then finally landing at the bottom to look to the left back corner of the living room where every Christmas tree was placed from the 70’s to the 90’s and finding loads of presents. To this day I’m baffled at how and where my parents: 1) could afford it; 2) could hide it; and 3) could get it all moved on Christmas Eve without us knowing. How???? I’m telling you, it was the sneaky French working with the organized Italians.

Now, Christmas is quite toned down, except for Dean. He is the only one with small children who appreciate the Christmas morning run to the tree. Except they slide on wood floors and try not to crack their skulls open on the walls on their way to the presents. The rest of us are much more mellow now. We enjoy things like no children, or having drinks with the grown children. Either way, it is all good times in new ways.

Happy Holidays.

🙂