flanerie.org

Of course, New Year is completely arbitrary, but it is a good a point as any to take stock and look forward.

I have pretty much given up on specific new year resolutions and instead maintain a rolling list of intentions over at 43things.com - an annual assessment is just not often enough, especially when I am so poor at focusing on what needs to be done.

Making predictions is another reckless New Year tradition, and I think I will pass. I remember a graffito from my home town, "Nuclear free in '83, or no more in '84". Nice sentiment, but thankfully the obscene gamble of the cold war didn't end in vapourised tears. Perhaps it was sprayed by Al Stewart.

Taking stock is easier - 2005 was a good year and I continue to be blessed with a charmed life. If I wanted to go looking for them, I could find a few negatives to moan about, but it is not my attitude in life. The good, as with most people, massively outweighs the bad.

Whatever your hopes and dreams, and however 2005 worked out for you, have a wonderful 2006. Remember to make your own luck, to always think of your impact on others and to think of every single person on this planet as a neighbour.

Volo omnes felicem novum annum habere!