There is something melancholy about the beginning of a new year and the ending of an old one. It’s like having waited with anticipation through a long line for a great roller coaster ride, finally getting on and willingly riding the ups and downs the year brings. All light headed and giddy, the ride ends you have to get off whether you want to or not. The let down sensation sets in and you have to begin the whole process again on another ride.

Another year gone, another year older. I don’t know why but January 1st has more of an aging impact on me than my birthday does, which isn’t until April. Maybe because I like to think I am not alone in this thing called life. That the New Year applies to all of us, therefore, we can all turn another year older together.

But when it comes to our own birthdays, we can choose to be any age we want to be. No one is going to say “no, no, no you are 52 this year honey, not 39, remember”? Some of us choose to ignore a birthday completely. C’mon, we’re not getting older, we’re getting better.

Since our society makes such a big deal about the New Year, an additional year can’t be ignored. We go through it all together as humankind. The camaraderie of the event softens the fact that we’re not as sharp, quick or agile as in year’s past. There is strength, and support in numbers.

But another notch in Father Time’s belt has its drawbacks. Take the rate of speed we are expected to maintain through the check out process at the grocery store. By the time I slide my card, punch in my PIN number, decline cash back, accept the total and confirm it, the bag boy is practically out the door with my cart. And I don’t even want help to my car, thank you! I think the cashiers are so much quicker than they used to be; I know it’s not me.

I am very excited about the new Starbucks opening around town. Maybe I am not as sharp as I used to be, but the ordering process intimidates me at bit. Although I am not a frequent coffee purchaser, I am familiar with the menu. Whatever happened to just calling the sizes small, medium and large? At a Starbucks, the choices are short, tall, grande and venti. Tall and grande sound like the same size to me. A girlfriend of mine just orders regular coffee with a shot of hazelnut. It never occurred to me I could just order a plain coffee. Hey, I can handle that. And it is less than half the cost of a double shot decaf grande, Guatemala Antigua, Caramel Macchiato, one Sweet–N-Low with whip cream and chocolate shavings. Does it work at other places too? I’ll take a venti root beer with that Whopper, please.

And speaking of agility, there is a new ailment in the news I think most of us are suffering from and we didn’t even know we had it until the media told us so; Restless Leg Syndrome. At the end of a busy day when you sit down, your legs get all tingly and fidgety. I thought that was normal. Our whole family has it, including the dog.

We’re all another year older. Happy Birthday, 2007. Buckle up, this year is looking good. Don’t bother making a resolution, its just lip service anyway. And the next time you are at the grocery store and the clerk is spewing questions and commands at you, you stand strong and take your time. Because Rio Ranchoans, you’re not getting oleo, you’re getting butter.

Quote of the Week: “It's time to come together. It's up to you, what's your pleasure. Everyone around the world, Come on!” – Celebrate Good Times by Cool and the Gang.

Jennifer Huard’s column appears each Thursday. E-mail her with your comments at jhuard@abqjournal.com.