Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits

This is kind of an off-the-wall blog post, but since February 1st is tomorrow, I thought I'd write it and see if anyone else reading this blog does the “rabbits” thing.

Here's the deal. If the first thing out of your mouth on the first day of the month is “Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits”, you'll have good luck for the upcoming month. I'm not sure when I started doing this. I don't think my mom taught me, but somewhere along the line, I heard about it and did it and taught my little sister, Lin, to do it as well. Here we are 50+ years later and we still do it. In fact, we compete to see who will be the first to remember to say it on the first of every month. At present, I have a leg-up since the first of each month currently arrives here in Durban earlier than it does in Boston. Big sister/dateline advantage!

I always wondered if other people did this, too. When I was in university, some of my fellow students were rabbit fans. I met some first-of-the-month rabbit-ers during my working years and I've even met a few yachties that participate in this odd practice, despite the fact that rabbits are considered bad luck on a boat.

I was interested in the origins of the “rabbits” superstition and was surprised (though not really) that Wikipedia had an article on it and there were several more articles as well. Lots of people do this, evidently. "Even Mr. Roosevelt, the President of the United States, has confessed to a friend that he says 'Rabbits' on the first of every month—and, what is more, he would not think of omitting the utterance on any account." – The Nottingham Evening Post. 27 November 1935

Though the origins of the practice aren't clear, there's been reference to it in literature since  at least 1909. There are variations on this theme, but basically it's all rabbit-oriented. Perhaps because some consider rabbits to be good luck … like a lucky rabbit's foot?

The White Rabbit Theory (really?) postulates that it might be as old as William I. An article in Yankee magazine mentions possible 13th century British origins. Even NPR did a piece on the rabbit tradition. I'm feeling like I'm in good company.

I'm not really sure I've had good luck each month whenever I've remembered to say it, but I haven't had bad luck either and I hate to tempt fate. So … if you're a “rabbits, rabbits, rabbits” advocate, let me know.  If not, tomorrow's the first of the month, give it a try.

New Year's Resolutions 2015

I was so busy carousing with my sister over the holidays and then traveling back to David at year end, I never took the time to write down my New Year's Resolutions. I like to review the past year to see how I've done and then figure out some specific goals for the year to come. Sorry to say, the goals don't change much from year to year.

Losing weight is always number one on my list, though I usually phrase it  “eat healthier-cut out junk food”. Perhaps I do shed a few pounds during the course of the year, but I always gain them back (and sometimes more) by year end. I did manage to publish a book this year, Days and Ways to Celebrate 2015, as did David - The Complete Book of Anchors and Anchoring.

David's not into making resolutions. I always have. So without further ado, here they are … 2015 New Year's Resolutions ... in black and white, better late than never.

Lose some weight by eating healthier (and less!) and avoiding junk food Exercise regularly … especially back exercises Finish and publish another book … a cookbook, maybe? Be kinder and better-natured – I have the propensity to be more cranky the older I get

So far I haven't cut back on eating or drinking … it's the end of the holiday season, after all … nor have I exercised a lick. There's plenty of time for the book. Better natured? Hmm...I'm going to have work harder on that one.

Incidentally, January 14th is Ditch Your New Year's Resolutions Day, so I won't have long to wait.

Happy New Year 2015 - Durban, South Africa

Well, I'm finally back in Durban. No drama, no lost luggage. A smiling David was waiting for me at the Arrivals Hall … a wonderful sight for my tired eyes. Hugs, kisses and gathering up of those heavy duffels already seems a blur. We boarded a shuttle for the marina and held hands on the 90-minute ride back. Nine of Cups was waiting to welcome me … yellow ribbons and all!

We've got lots of plans for the New Year including some inland travel in Africa over the next few weeks.

Our New Year's Eve celebration included a bottle of champers, a quiet dinner and the chance to catch up on three weeks apart. We raised a toast at midnight and sang away the old year and welcomed the new.

New Year's Day? We're lounging and relaxing. I'm overcoming jetlag and David, though chomping at the bit to install all those new parts I brought home, is happy to relax a bit, too.

The Nine of Cups' crew wishes you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.