The New and the Old

Well, you're here in a new year. It must be nice, having a fresh start, being able to make new resolutions and all. (And your store sales are amazing!) But for us geckos, it's just another day, with another sunrise, another chance to meet up with the relatives, another day to hunt bugs and lay in the sun and play a little guitar. It's never a "new" year, just another chance to do the things we didn't get to yesterday. I'm the same old gecko, with the same old song, but the world around me is always new. It's not really possible to leave all the old me behind with another day--but it is possible to move in a new direction. And maybe that's what you need: a way for the old and the new to work together. Coexist.

Pretty Giving

It's a funny thing, this Christmas season of yours. Strange, really. With your lights and your trees all tinselly. (Fun stuff to play in, by the way!) It's just odd how on one hand, you've got to give and give and yet in reality you're just taking and taking from someone else who had to make the stuff in the first place. I mean, I guess they are giving, too, but shouldn't we be giving all year? When my little brother wants a huge dragonfly or something, I don't say "nope, sorry little guy, you're gonna have to wait until Christmas for me to be in a giving mood." Of course not! I just do it. And sure, sometimes I don't because I'm tired or grumpy. But maybe that's why we need Christmas--to get us out of that tired or grumpy state and just give. Give something all wrapped up in gold and silver and tinselly bows.

And look on the bright side: at least if it's a rotten gift, it still looks pretty!

Cold

Hey I'm back! Went on walkabout, did a little exploring, the usual I guess for a gecko. But now I'm back in the city--this grey, dark, cement world. I actually don't mind it as much; it's got it's own points of light. Sure, people hustle around, but I can't blame them. They've got families to feed too. Even this wet stuff--snow, you call it--it's pretty entertaining! Blows around, swirls around, makes funny noises when it packs under your feet. Even though it's cold. I like it. I really do.

What I Know

I've never been one to stick to a plan. I mean, yeah I like to know what I'm doing, but I can't stand the details. They're tiring--and a bit boring. I'd rather have a general idea, then build on that as I go. Us geckos don't have time to sit around and plan everything; by the time we'd finish, we'd be eaten! But as I've been traveling, I've met people who like to get everything just so--just right the first time around. They think they know every possibility. And that's fine, but I want to ask them what happens when something changes. Odds are, something's going to mess up their plans: the world is just too big and complicated. Me, on the other hand, I'd rather just go through and learn along the way. It's not like I know any more than you. And besides, if you ever meet someone who actually knows what they're talking about, send them to me.

One of Those Geckos.

Yeah, I'm one of those geckos. One of those geckos that didn't make it--out of millions that seem to have. Sure, sure: the telly says that there are arenas full of geckos that saved money, got a cool car, married young, died rich and whatever. But don't think that I'm sad about it. No, I'm quite happy being on the outside for once. Because even though half of those geckos on TV are relatives, they're of the ignorant side of the family. Besides, you don't want to trust a group of geckos. Ever.

Hot Summer Rock-Laying Weather

You see, the problem with your cities is that there are no good, flat rocks to lay on. All you have are cement sidewalks or black asphalt roads--too hot for me. I guess if I had central air and a nice big house, then I wouldn't be laying outside either. But it's just ridiculous how few rocks you have lying about. And the noise! Cars, lawnmowers, dogs, air conditioners, old grannies in their rockers yelling "get your geckos off that rock before they burn!" It's much too noisy. I mean, it's hot summer rock-laying weather. Pipe down a bit.

Touring Baristas

No, no, I'm not that kind of gecko, though I'm flattered by the offer. It's nothing, really, just a little tune my mum used to play. I always remembered it because it wasn't a typical sappy lullaby or anything. Just a meandering measure or so. It wouldn't translate well into a huge rock and roll concert--too loud and blasting for me. Maybe at a little bar or nightclub though, the kind of artsy place that baristas would be attracted to. Yeah, if my mum had to get a second job to support us kids, I'd bet she'd be a barista. Serving coffee, humming that tune. That'd be our little tour, I guess.