It’s been a weird year. And I mean, no matter your politics, no matter your generation or your gender, it’s been weird. In some ways, I’m glad it’s coming to an end. The only thing is, what could 2018 possibly bring? It’s scary as hell.
Growing up in the 70s, I heard people talking about the generation gap. I can remember being out and about, seeing ‘hippy-dippies,’ as my dad would call them. With their long hair, bell-bottom jeans, and endorsement of ‘free love,’ they just seemed to experience life in a different way from my straight-laced, clean-cut parents.
These days, glaring differences abound between folks of my generation and the new one. Let’s be honest. Millennials can be fucking annoying, with their tiny homes and their organic beetroot lattes. I know. I raised two of them. Nevermind that Mr. R and I recently got on the kombucha wagon. That’s a story for another day.
But what I love about millennials is their gleefully optimistic dedication to the idea that anything is possible. This year, I want to embrace that belief. Because they’re right.
I’m not saying that I can suddenly become Joan Jett if I just believe hard enough. The kids aren’t saying that, either. What they’re saying is that it’s possible to make the world a better place. And we start with the person staring back at us from the mirror in the gender-neutral restroom of the organic farm co-op.
Tonight’s song, This is the New Year by A Great Big World, embodies the exuberance I want to carry into 2018. A better world isn’t going to trickle down from on high. It starts with me. And you.
So what will we do? Let’s start by hugging those we love, and branching out from there. Mr. R and I lift our glasses in a toast to a better world in 2018. Happy Saturday night!
“This Is The New Year”
Another year you made a promise
Another chance to turn it all around
And do not save this for tomorrow
Embrace the past and you can live for nowAnd I will give the world to youSpeak louder than the words before you
And give them meaning no one else has found
The role we play is so important
We are the voices of the undergroundAnd I would give the world to you
Say everything you’ve always wanted
Be not afraid of who you really are
Cause in the end we have each other
And that’s at least one thing worth living forAnd I would give the world to you
A million suns that shine upon me
A million eyes you are the brightest blue
Lets tear the walls down that divide us
And build a statue strong enough for twoI pass it back to you
And I will wait for you
Cause I would give the world
And I would give the world
And I would give the world to youThis is the new year
A new beginning
You made a promise
You are the brightest
We are the voicesThis is the new year
We are the voices
This is the new year
Adventures in Date Night 
Lots of flowing your way, I can tell ya that.
Right back at you. Have a very happy New Year! ❤
You too, P ❤️🥂🍾🎉🎊