Considering the fact that 2004 was just about the worst year of my life, in just about every way (maybe one day the whole story will be told), I’m glad to see it go, though I’m disheartened, thinking that things may only get worse in 2005. So, a big No Thank You to the following: the rain coming through my front door, pesky students, and most of all, the tsunamis, George Bush and his disciples, and other people who made this year totally miserable.

But there were still numerous bright spots: the consolations of pedagogy (in particular, my Pilipino lit class), the consolations of music (especially the last Guided By Voices concert in SF), four professors from Cornell (and one from Princeton), my friends (and those who couldn’t make it) who surrounded me a couple of weeks ago at my birthday (you all know who you are), my family, and most of all, my daughter Izzy. Thanks for making me happy. I really mean that.

My friend Nerissa just sent me this excerpt from Pablo Neruda’s “How Much Happens in a Day”:

In the course of a day we shall meet one another.

…Joy, my love, joy in all things,
in what falls and what flourishes.

Joy in today and yesterday,
the day before and tomorrow.

Joy in bread and stone,
joy in fire and rain.

In what changes, is born, grows,
consumes itself, and becomes a kiss again.

Joy in the air we have,
and in what we have of earth.
———-

Happy new year, everyone.

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