Monthly Archives: December 2014
3-2-1…
Hamingjusamur Nýtt Ár!
(“Happy New Year!” in Icelandic)
The best part about tonight is how the entire world celebrates New Year’s Eve. If there was ever a day to literally hang out in Space, it would be tonight/today. The colors seen in the night sky will represent every color in that gigantic Crayola crayon box from our elementary school days.
“Was that firework orange with twirling turquoise?”
It’s a continuous stream of fireworks, light shows, boisterous music, confetti, happiness, kissing, goofy hats and crowds of people joyously dancing in the streets, homes and in hotel lobbies that’s a spectacular display of hope and the infinitely possible. Welcoming in the new year is a universal truth that’s proven in every language in every corner of the globe. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to fully report on each city’s unique festivities. Fortunately though, there are plenty of places to choose from. As it’s become commonplace, Bing posts a picture each day that dazzles the eye. Today was no exception.
When my family went to Iceland, we were there for New Year’s! Luckily, there’s a photo of what it would be like to be on the pristine glacial lake of Jökulsárlón, Iceland, which is a better sight than the much-hyped, expansive collection of celebratory bonfires around Reykjavík we were told about…
(© Norbert Eisele-Hein/Aurora Photos)
Here’s to a Perfectly Picturesque 2015!
Strength in the Unknown
Christmas and New Years in Ohio is a bit unusual…for me, anyways.
For around 20 years, my family would travel abroad and vacation for about 2 weeks in incredible destinations overseas. The locations were breathtakingly wonderful and unforgettable. The memories I have from these trips made an impression on me that have been defining, to say the least. However (as explained in a previous blog post), marriages and children halted the “Lentz 5” adventures and instead created new family vacation traditions. Still, there is a one spot that will always generate a unique and special remembrance: Thailand.
Back in 2004, a tsunami devastated Thailand, as well as surrounding areas bordered by the Indian Ocean. It was a natural disaster of epic proportions. Hell on Earth. Yet, people (tourists and locals alike) rallied together to survive, for themselves and complete strangers. These powerfully amazing acts of kindness and heroism have resonated with me because that tsunami very easily could have hit a resort like the ones we’ve stayed at in areas practically identical to the one featured in the 2013 movie, The Impossible. This film is all too real when it comes to the beautiful beaches and land of Thailand and generosity of the Thai people and fellow vacationers. I recommend people see it, but there are some difficult scenes to watch, just as an FYI. And as actress Naomi Watts has said, the events in the movie are stunningly accurate. This is because the family at the center of the film really experienced what is shown in the movie.
This time of year reminds me of my epic family trips (like Thailand), the Christmas spirit and the hope and magnanimity from people all around the world in anticipation for the new year. The Impossible, despite its devastatingly raw realities, needed to be made. And, thankfully, it was.
Don’t simply think of the impossible, but find a way to be the impossible to yourself and others.
Happy Monday!
As we prepare to ring in the new year later this week, it’s important to have the right attitude. Entering 2015 with the proper mindset is paramount to achieving all those resolutions we’re planning (well, at least 1 or 2 of them anyways). Among other characteristics, confidence and bravery are quintessential to success. Perhaps no other family demonstrates these traits quite like the Crane boys:
How will you spell “winning” in 2015?
Hopefully not, “Charlie Sheen.”
Enjoy the Final Monday of 2014!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 