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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kicking the tires is an action that is synonymous with checking the soundness and quality of tires, but in reality, it doesn’t really tell you much of anything at all except maybe the amount of padding in your shoe.

There are a lot of myths and misinformation on the subject. More often than not, drivers don’t really know when their tires need replacing, they don’t know how to inflate them properly and they are clueless to essential basic care details. Maintaining properly filled and quality tires will not only increase the safety of your vehicle but can also make your car more fuel efficient, so you should take the time to brush up on your facts and bust those tire myths.

Myth: You should maintain a lower operating tire pressure in the winter than in the summer

Fact: Some drivers will lower tire pressure in the winter in an attempt to gain more traction and control on icy roads, but in reality driving on too-low tires can cause damage and make your vehicle less safe in dangerous conditions. Tire pressure will naturally lower in the winter without any action on your part. Tire pressure should be checked monthly.

Myth: I should inflate my tires according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

Fact: The handwriting’ is not on the wall – the tire sidewall, that is. Molded into the sidewall is the tire’s maximum inflation pressure, not the manufacturer-recommended pressure. Because the function of air in a tire is to support the weight-carrying potential of a vehicle, tires are built and rated to carry certain load capacities, and automakers select those sizes compatible with the ride, handling, traction, fuel economy and load requirements of their vehicles. For normal operation, follow inflation pressure recommendations in the owner’s manual or on the vehicles placard located in the glove box or on the door post.

Myth: A tread pattern is required for great traction on dry roads.

Fact: A tire without any tread provides the best results for dry traction due to the maximum amount of rubber touching the road. A tread pattern, with its groove voids, actually lessens this traction on dry roads. The role of tread is to act as a squeegee in wet conditions and removes water from under the tire and channels it through the grooves for improved wet traction.

Tires can be a substantial investment for your vehicle, knowing some of the facts will help you not only maintain them but increase their life and your value. Remember that even premium tires can show signs of premature or uneven treadwear without proper alignment, and it will cause excessive tire wear as well as increases fuel consumption, so make sure you check it periodically. Regular tire rotation about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles promotes more uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle.

Bubbling laughter, rosy faces, warm smiles. No, you are not at a theme park or a party, you are in a face-to-face interview with the wonderful people at Great Expectations Dallas (GE). The interview is the second step in the program’s simple process.

Great Expectations Dallas, a “personal matchmaking program,” for lack of better words, acts more as a life coach and best friend than what the name entails. Greeted by the blushing, friendly, outgoing character Stefanie Hogan, Dallas Center Director, you will immediately feel at ease, no nervousness and no awkward conversations. Stefanie and her team make you feel like you are having a conversation with an old friend. She remembers your name, your likes, dislikes and has one specific, helpful personality trait in particular: the ability to read people and match them with their soul mates.

Companionship – such a result is worth the meeting. Great Expectations is different than online dating sites. Having been in business for more than 35 years, Great Expectations knows what they are doing. They conduct thorough background checks and personal screenings, ensuring the utmost protection for their members. Their discreet team also guarantees personal involvement. “We hold your hand until you find someone; we are like a personal liaison for your dating life,” says member services manager Lindsey Barton. From guiding you in the right direction, marketing you the way you need to be marketed and giving you a chance to get in front of your desirable audience, it is evident that Great Expectations is dedicated to your happiness and personal improvement.

In fact, there is a good chance that your advisor will give you a few necessary truths to spur on this personal improvement. Do you know that pit-in-your-stomach, sick feeling you get when you look in the mirror after being with friends all day and find a big piece of spinach in your teeth? This will not happen with your new friends at Great Expectations – guaranteed. Much like scenes from the well-known movie Hitch, the representatives at Great Expectations will guide and support you, resulting in better first impressions. “People who think they are unmarketable and will never find love, find it through our program. It’s such a rewarding business,” Stefanie states, beaming.

Curious where Stefanie’s passion for matchmaking came from? In April of 1996, long before her career at Great Expectations, Stefanie’s family went through the tragic time of her father’s passing. Empathizing with the void in her mother’s heart, Stefanie purchased a membership to Great Expectations for her mom as a Mother’s Day gift in May of 1999. Although her mom was a bit skeptical, she used her membership for a couple of months and went on a few dates, meeting Scott within five months of joining the program. Scott and Marsha were married in November of 2001 and have been together for 10 years this month! “My mom’s success story is proof that anyone can find true love,” muses Stefanie. “She is a tough one – very picky – but we did it and she and Scott are incredibly happy together.”

There are plenty of other success stories. In fact, the current owner of Great Expectations Dallas, Mr. John Meriggi, met his wife through the Houston location and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. After his wonderful experience at the Houston location as a client, Mr. Meriggi felt compelled to purchase and run the Dallas office. Norine, Assistant Director, who’s been at Great Expectations for 20 years, met and married through Great Expectations as well. Members Hettie and Jerry describe their experience as “very personal; the ladies at Great Expectations were very encouraging and thoughtful. We got support every step of the way.” Member Monica was looking to “date someone with family values who was loving, successful, funny and independent,” which she found in her husband, Kent, within one month of joining the program. Another member, Roger, decided to join GE because he was “tired of the set-up and bar scenes.”

The process of joining this confidential, professional service is simple. First, take a quick look at the website, greatexpectationsdallas.com, or call the office at 214-390-5200, and answer a few pre-screening questions. On the phone you will have the opportunity to set up a face-to-face interview with an advisor where your identification will be checked, a background screening will be conducted and they will screen for emotional stability. Your representative will then review your membership options and give you access to the private website database that is for members only, where you can conduct searches to find potential dates. Complete the member profile and set a date for your professional photo shoot with Mary McAlister and her warm, friendly team, and voila, you are ready to meet and mingle. Your advisor will give you suggestion profiles, from which you will choose your top picks to go on dates. The process is based on mutual consent and you will always get to see the other person’s pictures and profiles before you date them so there is no awkward blind dating.

“The main basis of our program is to choose someone who is right for the member. If I’m doing my job correctly, you shouldn’t have to meet more than five people,” states Stefanie. “People are looking for the right person, not to date a hundred different people. They are allowed to search the website to pick whomever interests them. There is no limitation to the number of searches they get. And we are there for the entire process, there is no room for misrepresentation.”

Privacy and lack of misrepresentation are the most important differences between Great Expectations Dallas and other competitors. “Online dating services are a breeding ground for misrepresentation,” says Stefanie. According to a 2002 Wall Street Journal article, “more than 30% of visitors to the top three stand-alone personals sites are married.” Although other sites claim to reject profiles that are “inappropriate,” screeners “rely on the applicants to tell them. So, obviously, married people can get past the screeners.” The thorough interview process at Great Expectations ensures that each member is sincere and safe.

Great Expectations’ staff is dedicated, creating an environment in which they each know their members on a personal level. Most of the staff have worked at Great Expectations for more than 15 years. They dedicate their quality time thinking about the betterment of their members and especially enjoy brainstorming for the popular and fun future events. When you are a member, you get to enjoy summer musical events, speed dating events, happy hours, limo pub crawls, cruises, the annual Christmas gala, sporting events and much more. There is something for everyone.

Whether you are too busy to date, are tired of the bar scene, don’t feel comfortable placing your personal information online or can’t seem to find the type of person you are looking for, Great Expectations Dallas will meet you where you are. Whatever your reasoning may be to quit your current social habits, Great Expectations will be there to back you up and point you in the right direction. They guide you through the process of finding your “other half,” as well as introducing you to a new, exciting social circle.

In the words of success story couple Ruth and David, “Just give it a shot. What do you have to lose?”

Great Expectations Dallas
14180 Dallas Pkwy | Suite 100 | Dallas

214.390.5200

Great Expectations Ft Worth

1300 S. University Dr | Suite 502 | Ft Worth

817.332.8009
greatexpectationsdfw.com

Vigilantes Winterguard

Vigilantes Independent, the Winter Guard, will compete in the regional Winterguard International circuit NTCA (North Texas Colorguard Association). Contest are held on weekends in high school gyms and are proven to be very competitive. The drum corps housed by VPAA is an all age unit compared to VI being an age specific unit with ages 14-22 being able to compete. The Winterguard has upcoming shows at W. G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City, in January and February, and Denton High School in March.
The guard is part of VPAA, which is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We operate by donations, member dues, and sponsorships. Our goal is to foster an educationally competitive ensemble in which all members obtain a higher skill set to their craft, as well as instill a valiant work ethic and promise in North Texas’ youth. We currently have membership from Argyle, Krum, and Denton.

Ahh, November…’Tis the season of thanks and giving. It is no coincidence that our national day of gratitude is a few short weeks from Christmas, the day for showing our friendship and love with gifts from the heart. These two days have been linked together, time-wise, since the Revolutionary War, and for good reason.

After all, the November holiday is not called “Thanksgetting.” Many see Turkey Day as the official start of the holidays, and some see the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday? What a name!) as the beginning of Christmas shopping season. And who are we shopping for? Not ourselves.

What better way to start the season of gifts, parties, those irresistible hors d’oeuvre platters, turkey and roast beef dinners, and scrumptious desserts than a big family feast? (With football as an added bonus!) We all give thanks, even if silently, for health, happiness, friends, and family, not to mention for living in one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

Even those less fortunate still are grateful, if for nothing more than waking up on the right side of the dirt that morning. Because that is the one thing we are all thankful for – our lives, to be able to live for another day, even if we must struggle through it.

And what of those who wonder what fresh hell the new day will bring? What of those who wake to pain and suffering? What of those with no bed of their own to awaken in? What of those who find little to be thankful for, whose biggest concern this time of year is how to feed their children, how to provide even the smallest Christmas?

There is something we can do for those “What ofs.” We can give. We can give our time to soup kitchens and nursing homes, we can give our contributions to charities benefitting the ill and homeless, we can give our helping hands to those who need them. We can give.

And in the big picture of things, giving is good for YOU, as well. The fastest way to receive is to give, because giving starts the reciprocal action of receiving. We all receive according to how much we give. Give the best of you, everywhere you go. Give a smile. Give kindness. Give love. Your giving should be a giving without expectation of return – a giving for the sheer joy of it. But it all comes back to you, in one way or another. The old cliché “What goes around, comes around” is not an old cliché for nothing. It is true.

Denton County gives every year. The Salvation Army, the Denton County Toy Store, the Shop With A Cop program, the various Community Food Banks, all benefit from your generosity. Hundreds of families and thousands of children celebrate a true Thanksgiving and an actual merry Christmas because of you, and your giving hearts.

Denton ABATE, your local Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization, is sponsoring its annual Memorial Toy Run and Food Drive on November 19th.  Along with the Asbury Methodist Church and the Lake Dallas American Legion Post 88, toys for the Denton County Toy Store, monies for Shop With A Cop, and food for the Lake Cities Community Food Pantry will be collected. Everyone is welcome; you can come in your car, your truck, your airplane, your sleigh…or ride your motorcycle. If you can’t make it, collection boxes are at all Denton County offices and many businesses, and all proceeds go to these charities. So give. And have a Happy Thanksgiving, and the Happiest of Holidays.

Taryn McColpin is Newsletter Editor for Denton ABATE. For more information on the Toy Run, or on joining Denton ABATE, please call 940-595-1144 or email tarynwithat@hotmail.com.