Happy Malanka !!

Happy Ukrainian New Year !!  It is Malanka today.  I was raised in the Ukrainian traditions but I had never heard of Ukrainian New Years until a few years ago.  I think it is something made up by the Casinos of Winnipeg.  It is interesting how it is celebrated on two different days depending on which side of the city you live in.  That's ok.  I like celebrating and I like having an extra New Year. 

So, I use traditional New Year's as a time to test out my resolutions to see which are going to be realistic and then I can finalize them on Ukrainian New Year's. 

So, of course, I have the usual resolutions that most have:  I am going to jog 6 miles a day; I am going to lose 30 lbs each month; I am going to have a home so sterile that Manitoba Health will want to use it as a remote operating suite; and I am going to broker world peace while not eating any carbs.  They seem pretty achievable. 

Seriously, I would like to laugh more, but, that is not possible.  I am both blessed and cursed with finding the world to be an amusing place.  I don't think I can laugh any more than I do.  Like, "Luke, I'm your baba".  I laughed long and hard at that one and still laugh when I pull it up.  It is hilarious !!

What I really want to do this year is to scatter seeds.  It is something that a friend of mine said to me last year that really resonated with me.  I am just going to scatter seeds and see what grows. 
Scattering seeds also makes me appreciate my Ukrainian heritage.  Ukraine is not very rich is resources and not much thrives there.  Yet, Ukrainian people have always done well with what they have been able to find.  Root vegetables are hearty and look what we can do with some potatoes and onions, beets, and cabbage.  Add some wheat and mushrooms and you have yourself a feast.  And, I love that Ukrainians are known to be generous to a fault.  What is wrong with sharing what you have?  This is why we are such a great group of people. 

So, Happy New Year to all !  We will share our New Year as well.  Here is to scattering seeds.  Can't wait to see what grows !

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