by Taryn S. McColpin
Ahh, the New Year….the old year is gone and, with it, the past, and there is the promise of a fresh start because the numbers on our calendars have changed.

The common factor in all New Year celebrations is hope for change: changes in ourselves, in our luck, in our financial or personal situations, in the world at large. That hope happens at different times, in different places, in different ways.

Because of the division of the globe into time zones, the January 1st New Year moves progressively around the globe, so what is new is still old to the West, and some cultures celebrate on other dates altogether. The Chinese New Year occurs every year on the new moon of the first lunar month, about four to eight weeks before spring. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, falling in the Hebrew month Tishrei, early in the fall. Korean New Year, Seollal, is the first day of the lunar calendar. Koreans also celebrate the solar New Year, but Koreans only get that one day off, while they have a minimum of three days off on lunar New Year, so it’s easy to guess which they prefer.

The New Year in many Southeast Asian countries is a Water Festival, held on the full moon of the 11th month of the lunisolar calendar. Traditionally, people gently sprinkled water on one another as a sign of respect, but as New Year falls during the hottest month in Southeast Asia, many people end up dousing strangers in their celebration (which makes one wonder if Texas shouldn’t have its own New Year during the summer, and adopt this same refreshing practice).

In America, television has made New Year’s a shared experience. Those who are not part of the one million or more squished into Times Square watch on TV as the 12,000 pound, 12-foot diameter Waterford crystal ball falls. Economic concerns are also universal; in order to have a clean slate on which to start the New Year, Americans in times past made certain that they had all their borrowings cleared, but those were the days before credit cards. Now many just make certain they have bought their Lotto tickets.

A common New Year’s theme around the world is the derision of politicians. In the Netherlands and Iceland, they are the butt of much satire and mockery on several December 31st TV shows, and in Ecuador elaborate effigies are created to represent political characters, and are lit on fire at midnight. (Here in the U.S., there is no need for effigies, as our politicians regularly self-combust.)

In France, tradition holds that people toast to the new year and drink till January 3rd. The French believe that it won’t be a good new year if they don’t drink up all the wine left last year. The tradition of drinking Champagne or sparkling wine has an unusual origin. In Spain, it is traditional to eat twelve grapes, one on each chime of the clock. This started in 1909 as a marketing ploy by the grape growers in Alicante, who thought it would be a great way to cut down on the large grape surplus they had that year. Nowadays, the tradition is followed by every Spaniard, and a lot of Latin Americans, and the sparkling wine modification is followed by most of the world. In Russia, they have a New Year’s Night beat-the-clock drinking game: while the clock is striking twelve, one must write a wish on a sheet of paper, burn it on a candle, mix the ashes in a glass of champagne, and drink it before the chimes cease striking.

So the new cycle of a fresh year starts at a different time in a different way for everyone, be it due to time zones or different dates or different cultures. That one tick of a clock, the slight movement of the hand from one second to the next, is the beginning of a new cycle for one person, and simply the passage of time for another.

Because it is all in our minds. That psychological fresh beginning, new leaf, clean slate can happen any minute of any day. All you have to do is believe: One cycle has ended, a new one has begun, and it is ours to make what we will of it.

Make this day your “New Year.” January 1st is past, but today can be the beginning of a new year of a better life…you only have to make the decision and take the first step, and the rest will follow.

We look at our flaws, faults, bad habits, and failed ambitions, and resolve to do better in the future. But, while we all know New Year’s resolutions are far easier to make than they are to keep, it doesn’t stop us from promising ourselves a more successful, more productive and happier year than the last one.

A few years ago I came across a Top Ten list from some major publication and I have kept five of them that I feel are worthy of a serious relook and I always revisit them when the New Year rolls around. I would love to say I accomplish the full list each year, but I don’t. I do think the list is worthy of my efforts to keep working on. Of course “get fit” should be on all our lists so I will pass that one by with our mutual agreement that we need to do that.

Build Something / Fix Something

We know that not everyone is a skilled handyman, but learning some basic DIY has all sorts of advantages. First, it saves time and money if you can fix something yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you finish a project, and it is also a pretty impressive skill to have.

Read a Book

How many great books have you heard about, but never actually picked up a copy? Make a point of knocking at least one title off your list this year. Not only will it make you a bit savvier, reading always improves your vocabulary. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, not only does reading enrich our lives, it can enrich the world around us. People who read for pleasure are more likely to visit museums and attend concerts, and almost three times as likely to perform volunteer and charity work. Readers are active participants in the world around them, and that is the best kind of person to be.

Make an Appointment for a Check-Up

Most adults are very bad about visiting their doctor/dentist for a check-up, reserving such appointments for their children only. By and large, most prefer to say nothing and hope that a problem goes away rather than be seen as a hypochondriac or weak, or perhaps fear of what the issue could possibly be. Others use the excuse of “I just don’t have the time.” This year is the time to change that and make an appointment.

Open a Savings Account

We can all do better with our personal finances. A small step would be to open a savings account, and put a percentage of your salary in each month, or whatever you can spare. Pretty soon you won’t miss the money you have saved, and it will gradually grow into the beginnings of a nest egg.

Help Someone Else

A great way to feel better about yourself is by helping those in need. You may not have lots of time to devote to this, but whatever you can do to help is worth doing. Whether that is volunteering in a soup kitchen or helping your elderly neighbor carry out her garbage each week, make this the year when you start thinking about making the world better for others.

As you can see the list is a concise little group of plans that I think could make me a better person. Can you imagine if we all made a serious stab at these five little things, the changes that would be made in our lives?

I have to go now and put my new James Patterson book back on the shelf and place a call to my doctor’s office…
I Wish You a very Happy New Year!

by Carli Trest

We are not talking just about your face; we all tend to concentrate on our faces. The rest of the body skin needs attention to keep it youthful and fresh. There are plenty of old basics and some trendy adages for healthy fresh skin. Drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning, practice yoga, smile a lot, use only natural products, and of course keep stress levels low. Obviously all of these would be good for you. Whether they help your skin, your nature or your temperament, none of them can really be bad for you. But there are a few that are just no-brainers to help keep your skin fresh.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

A triple plus. Most people are mistaken that exercise is to be solely for keeping the body in shape. The fact is exercise will also help make your skin look younger and healthier. It will give good strong blood flow and that will help keep skin looking firm and young. It will also keep you fit and will keep you toned which can also help you avoid getting sagging skin. With proper exercise, you will get good sleep, which is one of the most essential habits for looking fresh and healthy.

Basic Care

Women all too often forget the smallest efforts of taking care of the skin, such as exfoliation. Routine exfoliating habits need to be as standard as brushing your teeth. When bathing, always make sure you scrub the dirt and dead skin cells off your body because good but gentle cleansing can add a youthful glow to your skin. Also, exfoliation is actually a good way to keep sensitive skin from developing problems.

Top off your bathing regime with a good hydrating cream or body moisturizer to keep your skin feeling fresh, soft, and squeaky clean. It is good to choose skin care products that are made from natural extracts of fruits or herbs, to save you from any harsh chemical reactions or allergies.

Load up on H2O

Hydration does not just mean slathering on moisturizer and other skin care products to keep your skin soft. The old rule of drinking eight glasses of water every day was established because it’s effective for the whole body. When you make water a regular part of your daily regime, you will be flushing out toxins and waste materials from your system, which will reflect on your skin. Remember, having a sound body does not only mean having smooth skin on the outside, but also a healthy and working system on the inside. You cannot give off a youthful glow if you are clogged with toxins, oils, and fats.

Keep the skin fresh and glowing to keep you fresh and glowing.

Denton is experiencing a wonderful art explosion that has become the textured fabric of the city. We have always been an artsy area, but the local art world has made it their mission to make the area an art lovers dream and to enrich the community…lucky for us they have done both. In a brotherhood like no other, the art folk of Denton support each other; whether music, drama, performance or galleries, typically where you find one group you find another along side, complementing the experience. There is such a wealth of wonderful art being made in Denton and the surrounding small towns and many of our art studios, retail shops and working studios proudly showcase these marvellous items. They are wonderful pieces that have been created by the hands of those that live right here in the area.

Oxide Gallery it is a gallery “where local art is exposed” offering fine art, pieces from local artists, and works from all genres. It is one of Denton best treasures.

A Creative Arts Studio serves the community with classes in oil and acrylic painting, stained glass, jewelry, mosaics, watercolor, drawing, writing workshops and on and on. Buy, learn or enjoy!

Wonderful museums like Courthouse-on-the-Square and Selby House recall the history of Denton. The opera at UNT is both amazing and world renown. Our celebrated One O’clock Lab band is internationally known.

Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is a weekend long event that is attended by not just locals but extended area art enthusiast. Studios such as Denton Ballet Academy teaches superior ballet, Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a twenty three year production and a denton tradition. The Campus Theatre is a performing community theatre delivering high quality plays and musicals.

Materials: Hard & Soft, an annual competition and exhibition of contemporary crafts is now in its 25th year. It is recognized nationally and attracts hundreds of entries from every state in the union. (February 3 – March 30, 2012)

The Thin Line Film Festival, beginning February 15th, is an international documentary film festival held at the Campus Theatre on the Square. See the interesting and exciting films before anyone else in Texas, then meet and socialize with the filmmakers after the screenings.

These are just a few examples of the art of Denton, getting exposed to this enriching culture will open a new space in your heart and your mind.

Denton no longer has to depend on the arts from Dallas and Fort Worth museums, music scenes and galleries. We are setting the pace now and have come into our own with our acclaimed area. Known for its long, rich history of both music and art, Denton welcomes unique individuals and celebrates their contribution in enhancing the lives of the entire community. Get out and enjoy the galleries, performances and music of Denton…it will awaken your senses.

by Mardi Allen, Life Coach, Mardi@CoachMardi.net

Reasons…Or Excuses?

Do you make the same New Year’s resolution every year? If it is to lose weight, you are not alone, as it is the number one change most people want to make. In working with over 1,600 clients about their desire to lose weight, I have noticed there are many reasons people are not successful…or, are they excuses?

The way you answer this question is important for moving forward in the weight loss process. It you have a belief system that there are valid reasons why you don’t lose weight, you can become paralyzed, stuck, and unable to move forward. After all, you can tell yourself that it is out of your hands.

Here are two of the top excuses I hear:

I quit smoking.

Is it possible to put weight on when you stop smoking? Of course. While nearly 80% of people who quit smoking gain weight, the average weight gain after quitting is just five pounds, which can be taken off in less than a month. Keep in mind that over 55% of people who continue to smoke will also gain weight. On the other hand, it is possible to stop smoking and not gain weight. According to the American Heart Association, quitting smoking doesn’t mean you will automatically gain weight.

I am just big-boned.

I often hear clients say they are overweight because they are big-boned. While bone structure does vary in density, length, and size from person to person, it does not have much influence on healthy weight ranges. If you believe your weight problems are solely due to the size of your bones, you are disempowering yourself. A person’s bone structure has no bearing on whether he or she is thin, overweight, or obese. You have convinced yourself you are not in control of your weight, and that puts you in the passenger seat of your own health.

So, what is your excuse?

Once you realize that your reasons are actually excuses, you can dispel your misguided belief system and move forward with the process of attaining and maintaining your ideal weight.

by Debra K. Owens

I had an unfortunate experience, one that will forever leave its distasteful mark upon my mind. My husband and I decided it was time to trade in our car for a newer car. We visited several dealerships, test drove various vehicles and ventured into the verbally exhausting and drawn out negotiations with the sales staff. Once all the paperwork was completed, appraisals made and credit reports researched, we received a surprising revelation. “Mr. and Mrs. Owens, did you know your trade-in was wrecked prior to purchasing it?” The salesman presented a piece of paper outlining the history of our Chrysler Aspen. Our jaws hit the table as we read the three-page report.

My husband, needless to say, was furious. Within minutes, he was on the phone with the sales manager of the mega huge dealership, the same one that airs its reputation across the airwaves of our local television stations claiming to be upfront, honest, trustworthy and selling only vehicles that have been pre-certified. I didn’t know you could certify a previously wrecked car, but apparently you can. I’ll not mention the name of said business in this story, as its purpose is to enlighten the reader to take caution when purchasing a new or used car and to thoroughly investigate your options prior to making a final decision. And yes, a NEW car can have a wrecked history, if it has not been properly titled to the buyer yet.

Eventually the issue was resolved, not completely to our satisfaction, but the mega huge dealership bought back our Chrysler Aspen. Regrettably, we lost money on the deal, which we expected since car dealerships are in the market to make money, not lose money, no matter who’s at fault.

If there was any positive to our unpleasant predicament, it was that we learned a person can obtain in depth information about a new or used vehicle before they sign the dotted line. It’s called CARFAX. This company has computer banks full of data on just about every car you can imagine, as long as it has a legal and viable VIN number (also known as the “Vehicle Identification Number”).

You can access the service on their website, www.carfax.com, and click on the links that apply to your circumstance (i.e. accidents, lemons, floods, odometer readings, number of owners, airbags deployed, frame damage, service records, etc.). There is a fee involved, but I promise you, it’s worth every penny. I know this family will never buy another car again without getting the facts with CARFAX.