Yes, 2012 has officially arrived, and with it comes a new set of expectations we place on ourselves.  So, in honor of the New Year, here are twelve thoughts to consider.

1. Use a daily planner.  A daily planner keeps schedules organized.  Sometimes when we wing it (i.e., store things in our heads), we forget about important dates and events.  You certainly don’t have to make inserts every day, although some individuals will want to do so.  Still, the planner is there to keep plans orderly (and it does!).
2. Accept help from others. Some of us are only too willing to assist others, but we are exceedingly uncomfortable accepting help.  However, when we refuse support, we could be prohibiting other individuals from feeling valuable.  Naturally, each circumstance is different, but be open to help.
3. Keep pleasantries around.  Everyone has something that brings him or her joy.  For example, if thinking about the Red Sox pleases you, then keep a baseball image within eyeshot.  Each time you see the item, you’ll get a boost!
4. Approach projects methodically. Maybe the attic is cluttered or the basement is junk-filled.  Yet, just looking at the rooms produces angst.  In this type of situation, separate the room into sections and approach each part individually.  For instance, one day tackle the left corner of the attic, the next week tackle the right corner, etc.  In time the attic will be clean, and you’ll feel great!
5. Make concessions. People are imperfect.  Some of us may like to think we’re just right, but in truth, we all have idiosyncrasies.  Therefore, when appropriate (you’ll know when it’s right), give others a pass.  Heaven knows we’re all going to need one from time to time.
6. Meet up with friends. Sometimes we make plans in theory, but they never come to fruition.  If there is someone you’d like to connect with, do it (and jot the date down in your daily planner!).
7. Negotiate self-inflicted deadlines. Maybe you mentally planned to have all the seasonal decorations put away by mid January, but to do so would cause anxiety.  Give yourself time!  That does not suggest a license to procrastinate; it just means the world will not fall apart if you have to extend beyond your self-inflicted completion date.
8. Double check. When something doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right.  When you get these types of feelings, double check.  The only thing you will have wasted if you’re wrong is a little extra energy.
9. Walk with optimism. Almost everyone has reasons to feel good and not so good.  Focus on the positive; it will absolutely add extra happiness to your life. For more information on health and wellness, check out the Health and Wellness section of our BLOG.
10. Teach by living. Certain people believe others should listen to their wise suggestions, but they don’t incorporate the advice into their own behaviors (e.g., telling people not to gamble when regularly partaking in gambling).  If we want to effectively teach, we should live what we say.
11. Say it gently.  Say what you mean, but say it gently.  For example, if someone hurts your feelings, you might think about retaliating.  Nonetheless, this approach will likely lead to conflict.  Instead, honestly explain to the person the reasons why you feel the way you do.
12. Pray or mediate. Despite our best intentions, life can be stressful.  Regularly praying or mediating allows us to see beyond our troubles and realize we are part of a much larger picture.

Yes, a New Year is here; thus, let’s make it Happy.

It’s hard to believe that 2011 is coming to a close and a New Year will usher in.  Gosh, it seems like only recently summer was saying farewell.  Now, decorations dress the stores, holiday music fills our hearts, and year-end plans cross our thoughts.

Well, is there a local New Year’s Eve celebration that stands out?  Yes, First Night Worcester!  Here are some things to know about this exciting event.

• First Night buttons are currently available at assorted locations.  Buttons purchased before 12/25 are $10.  Buttons purchased between 12/25 to 12/30 are $12.  And buttons purchased on December 31 are $15.  Children 7 and under are admitted for free.

• First Night Worcester is a non-profit, completely volunteer extravaganza!  It is financed solely by button sales and the kind support of area businesses.

• First Night Worcester encourages multicultural participation and serves to reinforce community camaraderie through a celebration of the arts.

• First Night parking is available at downtown locations and certain venue sites for varying costs.

• First Night will be held regardless of the weather.  Activities take place inside and outdoors, so bundle up the children!

• First Night family entertainment includes music, fireworks, juggling, storytelling, mimes, and so much more.  Activities such as these typically take place earlier (e.g., 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

• First Night adult-oriented performances cross a broad spectrum of entertainment genres like classical music, rock music, comedy, and magic.  These performances tend to occur in the evening (e.g., 7 p.m. to midnight).

• First Night volunteers will be on hand at site activities if participants have questions; volunteers will be wearing distinguishable First Night hats.

• First Night guests can swipe their WOO cards to receive 3 points (and be eligible for certain prizes!).

• First Night buttons afford discounts at some local businesses before and after 12/31: ask about button extras.

• First Night Worcester will celebrate at the Hanover Theater in honor of its 30th anniversary from 10 p.m. to midnight for an extra charge.  Multiple performers are lined up for this exciting New Year’s Eve event.  Admission is $30, but the cost is only $20 for individuals who flash a First Night button.  Limited VIP seating and a midnight champagne party are also available for $100 per person.  Cash bar opens at 9 p.m.

So much is happening at First Night Worcester, it’s nearly impossible for a few sentences to fully afford this talent-filled evening a proper account.  For additional information, go to www.firstnightworcester.org.

For more BLOG articles on Local Happenings, check out Briar Blog

• Put giving into perspective. Gifts mean different things to different people.  For some, it’s a small token to express how much the person means.  For others, it’s serious business that can affect a relationship.  If gift giving has come to control your understanding of the holidays, perhaps it might be time to step back and take a breath or two.  Sure, gifts are nice, but they shouldn’t dominate the season.  And, when materialism takes over, it tends to overshadow the more important festivities.  A thought?  In lieu of buying a loved one numerous or expensive presents, perhaps consider making a donation to a beloved charity in the individual’s name.  What could be more satisfying than knowing you’re helping to make a disadvantaged life brighter?

• Minimize the pressure. Some individuals have multiple chores to accomplish during this cheerful season.  Nonetheless, many of the expectations we believe we have we place upon ourselves.  Therefore, relax.  For example, if you are hosting a holiday dinner, accept participation from those around you so your tasks are not as plentiful (yes, we can rewrite our own rules!).  If that does not seem feasible, then have some of the food catered.  If that is not possible, then create dishes that are easy to prepare.  Essentially, remove the weight from your shoulders.  In the long run, you’ll have a better time.

• Encourage participation. If there are several duties on the holiday list (e.g., decorating, shopping, cooking, wrapping), ask your husband, wife, children, and/or other loved ones for help.  Occasionally we assume that others should know when we are becoming overwhelmed, but they may not see it that way.  A simple request like, “Honey, do you think you can set Sunday afternoon aside and help me?” can go a long way in getting the assistance we need.  Nonetheless, if the person is not receptive, only do the duties you can comfortably accomplish.  For example, if lights don’t end up on the outside tree, so be it.  This is a time for joy, not angst.

• Enjoy the moment. Oftentimes there is one aspect of the holidays that truly warms our hearts.  Yet, we never come to experience this happiness because we’re too busy doing other things.  Thus, if you love holiday music, pretty storefront windows, decorated churches, department store Santas, the town’s grand Christmas tree, lighting the Menorah, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, walking under mistletoe, etc., revel in these things.  Sometimes we become so rushed we forget how to take pleasure in the activities that really mean something to us.

Pretty lights, melodic bells, festive music, colorful decorations, stunning candelabras, happy children, yes, they’re all around.  Even so, a spirit of joy can exist at any time of the year.  So, now and always, let us count our blessings and rejoice!

For more holiday articles, check out more  Briar Blog articles.

• Worcester Center for Crafts, 25 Sagamore Road.   What can be more pleasurable the weekend after Thanksgiving than to scope out some unique holiday gifts?  Amazing crafts will be available at the Worcester Center for Crafts as different artisans display their unique wares.  There will be jewelry, metals, pottery, woods, ceramics, and so much more!  A $5 admission cost goes toward WCC programming, and public WOO cards get double WOO points.  This talent-filled festival runs Friday, November 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For additional information, go to www.worcestercraftcenter.org

• Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street.  Ready for some remarkable entertainment like Handel’s Messiah performed by the Worcester Chorus, holiday favorites sung by the Salisbury singers, family photo shoots, fabulous decorations, Victorian caroling, holiday-themed tours, and a medley of other fantastic offerings?  Then come to The Worcester Art Museum during the holiday season.  An assortment of joyful events will be available, and there’s sure to be something for everyone.  The fun begins on Friday, November 25 and extends through Saturday, December 31.  For a calendar of events, go to www.worcesterart.org/Events/holiday_at_wam.html

• Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street.  Can anyone imagine the holiday season without The Nutcracker?  It’s definitely difficult to envision.  Even if we don’t see the show, just knowing it is available warms our hearts.  Fortunately, one need not travel beyond Worcester to enjoy this classic favorite.  Why?  The Ballet Arts Worcester is presenting this enchanting extravaganza performed by the Youth Ballet Company of Ballet Arts and joined by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Hanover Theatre.  The performances take place on Friday, November 25 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 27 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $24 to $36, and certain discounts are available.  For further details, go to www.thehanovertheatre.org.

Yes, the holidays are quickly approaching, and so are some thrilling happenings.  From concerts, to caroling, to crafts, to theater, to ballets, to shows, to family cheer, wonderful times are ahead.  Hence, dust off your celebratory hats and let the excitement begin!

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.  It seems like only recently the warmth drenched our skin, children reveled in outdoor activities, and almost everyone was sporting shorts.  Now, the first significant snow has already fallen, temperatures hover in the 40’s, and people are preparing for the festive season ahead (once Halloween passes, the holidays come so quickly!).

As we ready ourselves for family gatherings and cheer, let’s look at some reasons to be thankful.

• Life. Everyone’s life is precious, no matter what stage a person is in.  Therefore, we should reflect upon this gift with gratitude, happiness and certainty in knowing that despite our occasional missteps, we are worthy.
• Shelter.  Each morning we wake up to walls we recognize and a roof that shelters our heads: we call this place home.  In this recognizable space, whether modest or grand, reside our hopes, dreams, and feelings of security.
• Family.  We’ve all heard the saying, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your relatives.”  Sure, we may not always see “eye to eye” with all of our family members, but chances are we wouldn’t pick anyone else to take their place.
• Friends. So, we do pick our friends, but aren’t we blessed to have them?  Friends share our laughter, our tears, and our joy.  They support us in good times, lend a listening ear in difficult periods, and just seem to make life better!
• Food.  Each day we stare into our refrigerators and pick out what we want to eat.  Sadly, some individuals scrounge for every morsel.  Let us always be thankful for the food we have before us.
• Flowers. Flowers do more than give us oxygen; they dress the landscape with color and beauty.  And, while they visually adorn the earth, we are afforded the opportunity to inhale their splendor!  Isn’t it impossible to imagine a world without flowers?
• Creatures.  We observe our furry and feathered friends scurry across the lawn; instinctively, many of us smile.  Their simplicity and innocence seems to make stresses a little less burdensome.

The above are a few of the many reasons to live a spirit of Thanksgiving.  True, there will always be someone with more money, better health, greater intelligence, and higher achieving children, but should that matter?  A fundamental ingredient to happiness is to be thankful for what we have.  And, when many of us stop to reflect, we realize we have a lot.

• Grandparents Day.  Many of us remember our grandparents with extreme fondness.  They acted as support systems to our parents, lovingly reinforced messages we needed to hear, listened to us gripe about how unfairly life was treating us, lifted our spirits when we were down, babysat for us when Mom and Dad needed help, diplomatically taught us valuable lessons, cooked special meals for lunch, dinner, or holidays, and believed we were important in almost every way.  Grandparents truly are unique because they give so much and expect so little in return; actually, knowing their grandchildren are happy seems to be their reward.  This year Grandparents Day falls on September 11.  So, surprise your grandparents with a card, gift, or, more importantly, a heartfelt visit.  Yes, grandparents selflessly give of their time and resources, think of this day as an opportunity to give back.

• The Arthritis Walk.  Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects the joints; nearly 50 million Americans are stricken with some form of this disease.  There are multiple varieties of arthritis, and certain types can even attack children.  The Arthritis Foundation, a national health organization with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, educates, informs, and raises money in the hopes of combating this disabling condition.  The Arthritis Walk, an annual event sponsored by The Arthritis Foundation called Let’s Move Together, is scheduled to take place on September 11 at The Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA.  Registration for this fundraiser is between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.  People interested in participating can sign up to walk or make a donation (or both).  For further details, contact Margaret at the Central Massachusetts Arthritis Walk, 617-219-8228 or online at mfarmer@arthritis.org.

In addition to the above happenings, there are a number of scheduled remembrances around the nation marking the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001.  For example, a ten year anniversary commemoration will be occurring on 9/11/11 in song with multiple choral groups at Institute Park, 140 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA: the tribute begins at 2 P.M.  For additional information, go to www.massremembers.com.

September 11 is a day most of us will never forget.  May God always bless America.

Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743.  His father was well-to-do, so the future president was afforded an excellent education.  Like Adams, Jefferson had an acute intellect and unquenchable thirst for learning.  He graduated from William and Mary College in 1762 and became a lawyer in 1767.  His remarkable writing skills and sharp legal mind continues to impress.

Jefferson married his wife, Martha, in 1772; the couple went on to have six children.  Sadly, Martha died ten years into the marriage while giving birth.  Only two of Jefferson’s children with Martha lived long enough to see adulthood.  It is believed that he had other children with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings.

Jefferson’s contribution to freedom from British rule is monumental.  In fact, he is the individual who wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. Interestingly, Jefferson did not appear to be a fervent supporter of slavery, and in his earlier years, he even believed the practice should not expand into new territories.  Still, his ownership of slaves, and negation to set the people free even upon his death, continues to perplex many minds.

Jefferson served as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress.  He was appointed Secretary of State by President Washington but later left the position.  Jefferson and the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, were at odds with one another concerning foreign policy.  At the same time, they differed on the degree of strength the federal government should possess.  Hamilton, like Adams, was a Federalist; these men favored a stronger central power.  Jefferson was a Democrat-Republican who supported limited government.  It is believed that Jefferson thought President Washington was more inclined to Hamilton’s view, so he resigned.

Jefferson served as vice president under John Adams.  Although both men had been friends earlier on, they came to disagree about pivotal issues and grew apart.  Jefferson ran against Adams in the next election and won; subsequently, he became the third president of the United States.  An epic purchase he made during his administration was the Louisiana territory.   In 1803, he bought the area from France for $15,000,000.

Jefferson served two presidential terms and then left political life.  He lived out his remaining days in the lavish home his slaves built called Monticello (Monticello means small mountain).  During Jefferson’s older years, he accrued a great deal of debt.

Adams and Jefferson rekindled their friendship later on in life.  The reunification, though only my mail, brought much joy to both men.  And the quirk of fate that some of us might have forgotten?  Both men died on July 4, 1826.

Adams and Jefferson were joined in life by a unified cause, and that cause was freedom.  At the same time, they were united in death by the celebration of independence.  The fact that both Founding Fathers died exactly 50 years following the approval of the Declaration of Independence is extraordinary.  We can only imagine the mystical forces at hand that made this remarkable event possible.

There are many individuals responsible for Independence Day.  Two people we will observe are John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. These men gave of their time, intellect, and talents for the birth of a nation.  Because of their remarkable contributions, they will forever be etched in the American landscape.

First let’s look at John Adams.
John Adams was an intellectually curious man born in what is now Quincy, Massachusetts.  His manner was no-nonsense, and he was sometimes regarded as blunt.  He graduated from Harvard in 1755.  Adams actually has ties to Worcester, as he held a teaching position in the city following graduation.  He became restless and began studying law with the successful Worcester attorney, John Putnam.  Adams was admitted to the bar in 1758 and went on to involve himself in politics.  His sense of disenchantment with British rule intensified as time continued.

Adams married Abigail Smith in 1764, and the couple had six children; sadly, one son was stillborn, and another son, John Quincy Adams, would one day become the sixth president of the United States.  Like her husband, Abigail possessed a penchant for learning, and she was an enormous influence in his life.  Adams regarded his wife as a type of mentor and confidant.

Adam’s political ambitions resulted in much time away from his family.  Abigail was left to care for the family farm duties and parental responsibilities mostly on her own.  Even so, she was acutely perceptive and seemed to understand the significant strides her husband was making.  She accepted his call to duty with dignified grace.

Adams was a delegate for the First and Second Continental Congress and instrumental in the creation of the Declaration of Independence, although Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft.  As we know, the document states that the thirteen colonies, once subject to British Empire authority, were now independent states.  There are conflicting views as to whether or not the Declaration was actually signed on July 4, 1776.  Nonetheless, July 4, 1776, is the date the Continental Congress sanctioned its contents.

Adams was elected vice-president for two terms under George Washington.  In 1796, he became the second president of the United States; he beat out Thomas Jefferson by only a slim margin.  At that time, the two candidates possessing the most votes would become president and vice president respectively.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson grew at odds with one another over various issues.  For example, Adams was a Federalist who favored a strong government, and Jefferson was more supportive of states’ rights.  Adams served only one term as president; Jefferson beat him the second term to become the third president of the United States.  Still, Adams forever left his mark in the founding of a nation.

Next time we will look more closely at Thomas Jefferson.  Interestingly, he and Adams came to reunite their friendship in their older years.  Until then, though, Happy Fourth of July!

• Sports clothing or accessories.  Assorted senior dads revel in staying active.  Maybe your father is involved in a bowling league, ongoing tennis matches, golf group, or other sports-related activity.  If so, clothing and/or accessories to complement his passion may be fitting.  Some ideas?  Golf shirts, golf balls, tennis attire, bowling glove: actually, the options are many.
• Larger print books or games. Your dad enjoys stimulating his mind but has the “over 50” eyesight thing going on (i.e., his ability to see close-up is becoming compromised)?  Thankfully, there are assorted gifts that offset this type of problem.  For instance, there are larger print paperbacks, playing cards, electronic games, activity books, and other brain-oriented activities.  The online store www.seniorstore.com is a great place to check out some interesting ideas.
• Car Cleaning. Dad is a neat freak and loves a meticulous car?   Then consider a voucher for a series of cleanings.  Car washes are hardly inexpensive anymore; even the low-cost options hover around $10.  But you have a little more money to spend?  Then maybe a car detailing certificate.  Not only will the outside look spotless, but the inside will be clean (and all the tires and trim will be beautified!).
• Memorabilia. Your father tends to be nostalgic?  Possibly a model car, encased newspaper article, movie, book, advertisement, framed photo of Ted Williams, or any other past period item you think might bring warmth to his heart will be enjoyed.  There are even pamphlets highlighting momentous events that occurred during his birth year.  Reminiscing frequently transports us to times we felt most secure.  They bring back fond memories, familiar smells, happy thoughts, and other pleasantries that provided the framework for the individuals we have become.

Fathers arm their children with invaluable skills.  Naturally, they are human, so they usually make a mistake or two along the way.  Nonetheless, when we become parents, we often recognize the many sacrifices that took place for our welfare.

So, with that thought in mind, Happy Father’s Day!

And drinks?  Unsurprisingly, the usual liquids like soda and water will show up.  Still, it’s sometimes nice to invite something more refreshing to the table.

Need some ideas?  Here are a few.

• Lemonade.  Lemonade can be really enjoyable or really unpleasant.  Some pre-made versions are icky sweet and lack authenticity.  An easy, homemade recipe?  Heat 2 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar until the sugar is dissolved.  Squeeze ten to twelve lemons in a large pitcher (use a juicer if you have one).  Add about seven cups of cold water to the squeezed lemons.  Stir the dissolved sugar mixture into the pitcher, as well.  Add ice cubes and two to three thinly-sliced lemons.  Taste.  If you think the flavor is too strong, add small increments of water until you are pleased.  Too weak?  Add more lemon.  If you like a sweeter taste, add a little more sugar.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

• Iced Tea. Similar to lemonade, pre-made iced tea varies in quality.  Still, it’s hard to beat homemade.  A quick recipe?  Heat eight to ten cups of water to a boil.  Put seven to nine Earl Grey tea bags (or other black tea-types) in the water and let steep.  If sweetened tea is desired, add ½ cup or more of sugar (according to taste) while the water is still hot.  Pour into a large pitcher with ice.  If you like a lemony flavor, quarter one to two lemons and squeeze into the tea mixture (you can throw the lemon quarters in as a garnish).  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Mimosa. Okay, so your cookout is in the early afternoon and something a little harder than OJ is on your mind?   Then, mimosas are a great choice.  Still, fresh is best.  Squeeze eight to ten oranges into a large punchbowl (use juicer if available).  Add a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine and one to two shots of Grand Marnier (the Grand Marnier is optional).  Put some crushed ice in the bowl to keep the beverage cool.  Garnish with sliced oranges.  Taste.  If one ingredient is overpowering, compensate by adding a little more of another.  If the mixture is too strong, add more ice.  A preferred method if only a few people will be indulging?  Keep the freshly-squeezed orange juice, Champagne, and Grand Marnier separate (no bowl is needed).  Pour equal amounts of OJ and Champagne in a flute glass until nearly full.  Top with a splash of Grand Marnier.  Garnish with a slice of orange.

None of the above beverages excite you?  You can always make a punch with fruit juice, ginger ale, and sherbet: be sure to add cut up fruit for appeal (strawberries, quartered oranges, pineapple).

Another thought?  Summer Ale.  A local brewery that makes a great version of this refreshing taste is Samuel Adams.  Add a lemon quarter to a frosty mug and pour in a cold Sam Summer.  Delicious!

Bottoms up!