A New Year

There she goes…

The years are passing by like cars on a country road – infrequently, but with a strangely determined haste. It’s a little scary. I have to stop and remind myself that each day still has a full 24 hours to enjoy, even if the months seem to pass by in minutes…

2006 is one for the history books – as are all years that have already happened. It has probably been my most varied and interesting year to date, yet oddly enough I can’t seem to think of anything to say about it. I guess, if anything, 2006 gave me some perspective.

I would usually use my annual public address to tell you all that I love you (though we never say it enough). And I do (though we don’t) but fuck that for a bit…

I spent half of 2006 away from home and it became clear that ‘I love you’s shot across a globe are inane. They are a feeble call-and-response - an arbitrary search for validation.

‘I love you’…
*off in the distance*
“I love you tooooo…”

Most birds communicate in more complicated ways, and we all know how fucking stupid birds are… especially the ibis.

What does that mean anyway? Go on - define ‘love’. Then try to explain the idiosyncrasies of the love being express for a particular individual, making clear the context and intention of the expression. 25 words or less please.

There’s another expression that we don’t use enough, that I have chosen to lament this season – “I worry about you”.

I realise the inherent negativity of the saying but rest assured an “I worry” is no accusation of guilt, stupidity or incompetence… unless of course you ARE actually guilty of stupidity and incompetence.

“I worry” already has an “I love you” built in - you wouldn’t worry if you didn’t love – but “I worry” expresses so much more than just that.

Saying “I worry” is asking to be let in – I want to be a part of your life. I want to know what you do with yourself, in lieu of actually being able to be there with you. I want assurances that you’re as happy as you can be, because I want to know when I might have the opportunity to help out – to do what I can to make you happy.

It’s an invitation to sincere and open expression. Because I want your life to be great. Because I don’t ever want you to be afraid to ask. Because I want to be there for you. Because I love you.

“I worry”s have had a bad wrap recently. Too often they are bandied about by insincere professionals and overbearing naggers. I want to you all to forget about those these holidays.

So, as you enjoy the festive season, know that I wish I could be there with you, and that I worry about you. I hope you’re well, and I hope you tell me if you’re ever not. Because I want to be a part of your life… you make me look less stupid and incompetent.

Here’s to the New Year. May it bring a smile.