That song was all too true for me this year. I had some dental work done and had temporary front teeth for a month, just getting the permanent ones put in place yesterday. That required not biting into anything over the crucial eating period of Thanksgiving weekend through the run up to Christmas. Thank goodness I got my new choppers in time for Christmas dinner or the season would have been much less bright for me.
So my first wish already came true. Now to work through the rest of my list:
I would like for people to stop littering. I have to say, it's improved greatly since I was a kid (either that or more people pick up after the slobs.) But I'd really like to take a long hike and not see one plastic water bottle or beer can the entire length of the trail.
I would like for the National, State and local parks to be fully funded. I think the parks are responsible for my sanity, and wouldn't it be great if they were always open so everyone could cure their mental tics? Hey, there's the campaign slogan: Trade Your Tics for Ticks!
I would like people to stop being afraid of things they don't understand. I had a co-worker who told me he would never go camping in Yosemite because he wasn't allowed to bring his gun (this was before they reversed themselves on firearms in National Parks.) He would never admit it to me, but I know this to be true: he was terrified of bears. Take some time, learn about whatever it is you are afraid of. Knowledge is power--don't let fear keep you from doing something you want to do.
And most of all, I would like for everyone to take a break at some point in the coming year and get up off the couch, walk out the door and enjoy the outdoors. Breath some real air, maybe smile and nod when you pass someone else along the way. You'll feel better, the person you passed will feel better and maybe, just maybe, the world will be a little bit better for it.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a very Happy New Year to you all.
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