I'm So Glad!

My beloved banjo teacher Charlie Tagawa always broke into a big grin and said, “I’m so glad!” whenever I told him I mastered a chord progression or other good news. 

It feels like there has not been much good news this year. I commented that I don’t feel like getting out of bed anymore and several people immediately furrowed their brow and asked “Do you need to see someone?” No. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Just because I don’t feel like leaving the warm blankets and soft pillows and my mountain of bedside electronics, doesn't mean I can’t or won’t get out of bed. I’m more of a  stiff-upper-lip soldier-on kinda gal. But every bit of bad news really makes you think about the world, your immediate circle, and your own place in all of it.

I’m so glad….that Greg and I had a great time visiting my mother in New York during the holiday season. We saw the radio show Prairie Home Companion “Town Hall” live with Chris Thile, the very talented mandolin player. One of the acts was the most famous banjo player Bela Fleck who I’ve always wanted to see and yes, they did a spectacular duet with lightening fingers. Such talent!  

I’m so glad….that we enjoyed dinner at Eataly and lunch at the Porter House, not to mention Gray’s Papaya and the Lexington Candy Shop which is the oldest luncheonette in Manhattan. I played the whistle at an Irish session at the William Barnacle Tavern. They have a very welcoming small group of ladies in this tiny old speakeasy. I think I’m becoming a regular there when I’m in NY. 

I’m so glad….that I got my suitcase back after my missed connection coming back from New York. Santa Rosa is such a small airport that I had to wait around outside United’s empty little mobile office for half an hour for their staff to come back from the tarmac where they were pushing a plane for take-off. 

I’m so glad….that all my plants are doing really well! They were lovingly looked after with just the right amount of neglect both at home and at the office while I traveled. 

I’m so glad….that I had time to spend with friends and family.  Hours of talking to my mother. Days wandering NYC with Greg. Driving to Oakland to finally see Shani and Lex. And catching up with Liane who was home with the sniffles. 

I’m so glad that…I had time to catch up with my BFFs. All are doing very well. 

I’m so glad that …the 2 impatient drivers who nearly mowed me down this week missed!

Now it’s time to wrap up 2017 and get ready for 2018. If you’re Jewish, you just did that at Rosh Hashanah in September. If you’ve been touched by wildfires, you’ve thought about what really matters and if you want to make any changes to live a life of no regrets. This is the third time in 3 months that I'm taking stock and making new resolutions! I'll do it but then I want a break for a few months. You gotta give me time to actually go do the resolutions!

I’m so glad….that you are in my life and that we’ve all made it to 2018 in reasonably good shape.  Now clink those glasses!  May 2018 be a good year for all!