The Clock Strikes 12...

At the symbolic ticking of the clock, a new yr has begun. One second seemingly no different from the others but yet, as the clock strikes 12-a flurry of movements from subtle to obvious are set in place: the last digit of the year shifts from a 4 to 5 , calendars are replaced, resolutions are set with renewed vows to keep to it . At this moment, I am struck with the feeling of an old self in new clothes. While many things appear to have changed within that one second, how beneath all these visible things- the underlying threads and fibres still remains.

The beginning of the school year has always been the event that provides the meaning of a new year for me- from the last wk of Dec, everything that is done seems to speak or carry the meaning of new-from buying new textbooks, new uniforms, to moving on to a new school, a new class, new teachers and knowing new classmates. And of course, reminders also came from the constant blunders of writing the wrong date(year) on assignments for at least the first two weeks.

Past JC, the significance of a new year has somewhat been reduced with the uni academic year starting in Jul/Aug. Less of trepidation, celebration and anticipation of the new year and what awaits but more of nostalgia, of the desire to cling to the old, tested and tried possessions like tangibles (2004 calendar, diary, kingston bakery:P) to intangibles like family, friendships and even weight...the latter is unclassified.

Whatever it is, here's wishing all a blessed new year -may peace and gd health be with you and your loved ones.