Our egos went Pop! when two of our (five) kids pronounced
our new year's "annual report" Cheesy. We thought the 100 or so letters sent to
family, friends and acquaintances rather clever and informative. Cheesy?
Well, they really meant -- isn't it cheesy to crow about
what a great year we had, how lucky we are, what travels our good health accommodates? It's cheesy enough to puff ourselves up, but
to be cute to boot? And on reflection --
they're right. While we did wish others
well, as such holiday greetings ought to do, even then it was self-congratulatory;
we wished 2016 would be as good for them as 2015 had been for us. OMG, Cheesy
indeed!
Good for Amy and Cam.
Despite a few (very few) comments from friends and acquaintances that
they welcomed the update, we feel properly chastised. One New Year's resolution is not to be cheesy
next year.
Some news might be welcome to those far away -- in time or
distance. But perhaps the best model is the
card from Tiger and Babs -- a lovely poem about the holidays, a photo of them showing
good health and happiness without bragging about it, and a heartfelt wish for
us. Simple and thoughtful -- with no preening
or crowing. So here's to simple, short
and other-centered.
2016 launches with a good lesson for me. Cheers.
