Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, then HAPPY NEW YEAR! Oh how the march of time and years do change one’s way of living.
There was a time when all like now I would have done decided which and how many Old Year’s Night parties and fetes I would be getting mashed up at, done bought new gear and change of gear to wear, done confirmed reservations or bought admission tickets, and done decided home wouldn’t be seeing me until my bleary eyes were squinting to the light of the first sun of the new year’s first day.
Those were days when I didn’t choose which parties and fetes to attend. Rather, parties and fetes chose me. They made my mind up for me and, like a zombie, when the time came I just geared up and headed to whichever and how many pulled me in.
And I enjoyed myself to the max, often even beyond the max. I was always fortunate to own a vehicle that had a brain, knew every road in Barbados and, therefore, was always able to bring me home safe and sound after a rough night.
I still do some partying but it’s no longer a case of the parties choosing me but of me choosing which I will attend. I have even reached the stage where relatives and friends make mock sport at me when I affirm that I will see them at whatever and they reply with, “See who? Man, we not looking for you because we know you will be home sleeping.”
They are more often than not right because these days my bed and sleep are often sweeter than any party or fete happening anywhere. What makes it even sweeter is that I have always been blessed with the ability to fall asleep even before my head settles on the pillow. I drop off to sleep so fast than sometimes I hear myself snoring on my way off.
So what will I be doing at midnight on Wednesday to ring in 2015? I have deliberately not used the traditional “to welcome”. That was appropriate for happier times and it’s anybody’s guess when Barbados will be happy again as we sing and shout Happy New Year on Wednesday night.
Surprisingly, for the first time in a long time a party has been calling my name. So don’t be surprised if you spot me enjoying myself on Second Street with Spice And Co.
If I don’t answer that call, I will be doing what I have done recently, namely enjoying a fireworks lime on my patio. Much of my PR work is within the tourism industry and over the years I have had my Auld Lang Syne fireworks at one of the various hotel properties with displays for guests. Then one night I couldn’t get out before the midnight hour and discovered that the location of my home allowed me to enjoy a sweep of all the fireworks displays along the west coast at the same time. Last year I counted 14 as well as with one or two inland. In addition, if I drift up on the roof deck I can also see the effects in the sky of those on the south coast.
So, whether I do that lime and then hit Second Street, or do so and then hit my bed, be sure that I will be wishing all of you who find nothing better to do on Sundays than to read my foolishness a happy but better New Year.
Al Gilkes heads a public relations firm. Email [email protected].
