New Year's Day

[fabrisse]

My mother is very superstitious, although far less so than her mother, and I try hard not to be. It doesn't always work, but I make the effort.

However, there's one superstition I picked up, or perhaps invented, years ago that I like. I try to do things on New Year's Eve/New Year's Day that I will continue for the whole year.

This led to my inviting people to come eat cassoulet after midnight when I was up in Boston and had a wider circle. I went to Yoga mornings in California.

Last year, I spent the day alone at a museum -- not a bad way to spend a day or even a year. I miss inviting people into my home for good food, though.

This year, I have two gentlemen joining me for lunch on New Year's day. They understand that I'll be serving regional traditional foods -- black eyed peas, greens, cabbage, and spoon bread.

All right, look, it's the local Mormon missionaries.

They stopped me last night on their way back home (and mine from Safeway) and we talked. I've got one of them interested in the experiments at CERN from our conversation -- he thinks math and science will help him to know God better, and I think that's grand. So. I asked if they were busy on New Year's Day. I explained I was an atheist and had already read the Book of Mormon back when I was 12. They're bringing Doctrines and Covenants to discuss with me.

I'm a wicked, wicked woman, but those Elders need a challenge. I don't think they're having much luck with converts in this neighborhood.

At the very least, I'll have started the New Year right, sharing good food and serious talk.

Comments

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

That's really a wonderful idea. I've always felt a little bad for the missionaries I see in Boston- don't they know it's enemy territory? But I guess they wouldn't be here if it weren't.

That, and they all look so neat and adorable in their white shirts and black slacks.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Yes. They are very dedicated. I'll write about talking to them a little later.

[eanja]

In a much lazier fashion, I will be doing something similar, at least as far as waking up at the SO's house New Year's morning. Normally I would then hang out there and go to some party or other, but this year I'll probably head home and hang out w/ the parents (who obviously don't have any details about exactly where I am staying other than at a friend's). But still, the first part of that qualifies as setting a trend I want to keep up. I might try to stop by the Buttery, which would qualify for a bit broader socializing, and maybe I should try to be good and do some backlogged work somewhere in there...

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

*beats head against wall*

I still have your keys. Sorry.

I hope you're having a good visit with your folks. Did you go to the Buttery? That's the one thing I miss at this time of year.

[moria923.livejournal.com]

Wish I could be there with you, darling. Good food and conversation are always a winning combination, especially where you are.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Happy New Year.

[elfwanderer.livejournal.com]

You are doing a good thing. They need the food. They live a pretty austere life so if nothing else you are providing a fun diversion for them (and yourself ;-).

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

I've done it accidentally in other people's journals.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

I gave them most of the leftovers. They're apparently pretty poor cooks and really seemed to appreciate it.

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed the card.

Would that I were as beautiful as Jacqueline Bisst. *G*