Times have changed from the days when I'd scribble my lists on a scrap of paper, only to lose them.
So tonight at midnight I'll have a little bowl with twelve red grapes, one for each stroke of midnight, though my clock doesn't make a nice loud "bong" with each stroke.
My deseos will be written down in advance so I don't choke on a grape while trying to think up a wish.
In fact, I'm so organized this year, my list is all done:
1) Get Tim's book published.
2) Memorize every song on my songlist (over 100 of them, some already memorized).
3) Learn how to record and upload songs and put them here on the blog.
4) Learn how to use tools and work with bricks, tile, wood and other materials so I can build and fix things.
5) Find a group helping the orphanages—Castaway Kids, Las Madrinas—and work with them.
6) Bring back the muchacha who loved to draw, paint, dance and write stories, and let her play.
7) Teach myself simple chords on the piano so I can accompany myself (my singing coach Chrys says it can be done).
8) Rejoin the dance group I had to drop out of last year, and learn to cha-cha, rumba and samba.
9) Start a container garden in my tiny front yard: lettuce, grape tomatoes, herbs...
10) Go kayaking in the Bay.
11) Take my Nissan Quest on a quest to discover the interior of Mexico.
12) Re-establish the writing group.
The custom of sweeping out the house at midnight has some appeal, though I also like how the Chinese do it: they spend the whole day cleaning so the house shines on New Year's Day, and I think they always use a new broom.
As for the red underwear that's supposed to improve my love life, I've just discovered to my chagrin that I was doing it all wrong: it has to be given to me, and it has to be new! I can't just dig last year's pair out of the drawer. So I guess I need to shanghai a friend, take her shopping and when we both find some red knickers, we'll simply swap.
But then, the yellow undies that bring prosperity might be a better choice. Maybe somewhere there's a pair of red and yellow polka-dotted ones waiting for me.