Happy 2007!
Today 2006 joined the history. To me, this is only a change in the last digit of a four digit number, since New Year will always be the time when trees wear their new dresses, birds fall in love and flowers blossom, even if I'm in the Southern hemisphere.
However, another milestone has been reached and an evaluation is in order for those who still remember most of what happened in the last year, unlike me, whose short term memory has been stumbling lately.
From what I vaguely remember, I can tell that even though 2006 started on a disappointing foot, it finished on more hopeful terms. Although hateful politicians reached their peak; their ideas started to become more and more obsolete by the end of the year, when people saw the result of their actions. All the same, many continued killing each other at different parts of the world, and coming and passing of this year did nothing to alleviate such pains.
As for my personal life, end of 2006 marked the last year of my 20s. By the end of February I'll start experiencing how life treats one in thirties. I experienced a few trivial things I'd never thought I'd come to the point of trying. My twenties will probably be the best years of my life. I traveled, changed my field of job and came back to what once I planned to leave forever. It sometimes takes going around the world to cherish what you already have. Still at the beginning of my thirties I feel lost. I don't think I like the idea of settling down at all. Something tells me, I'd be spending my thirties the same nomad style I spent twenties and wander around to make sure what I already have is the best. My biggest vice is not being able to commit to what I believe.
In 2006, My idol, Mozart turned 250 years old, although he technically didn't experience his forties. I wonder even if I live to be 250, would I ever accomplish what he did in one-seventh of that time? I don't think I live long after my physical death. I feel so mortal and useless.
Last but not least I learned that revenge is not a dish best served cold. I confess I'm beginning to believe in this philosophical nonsense, but a person changes every second. One will not be the same person a minute later. If you bear with me, the point I'm trying to make is quite simple. Although we said goodbye to Saddam by the end of '06, it didn't make me feel any better or worse. I remember I'd be giving anything to see him dead in early 80s, when I was younger and was taught how to make a gas-mask in case of a chemical attack in our school, or when our town was under the daily raids of Iraqi missiles and planes. But now he was no more than a burnt puppet, and had been quite useless for a decade when he was captured. Worst of all, he was not held accountable and tried for attacking Iran, or even killing Kurds with chemical weapons, nor did he tell us who gave him the go ahead and WMDs, although we remember all those who sat quietly all those years. A puppet is dead and the dish is too cold to even be considered for serving. Thanks, but no thanks. This falls under another trivial event that will be forgotten in a few weeks.
We have 2007 ahead of us, and I hope the 7 brings out the best of luck for everyone. May this year we experience a more peaceful world. Happy 2007!