Are you worried about safety on New Year’s Eve? Well, you can put your worries aside because I have a new safety-first plan that solves the problem. People will be drinking, which implies that there will be a greater level of danger. I was surprised to learn that many women now carry a concealed weapon, the pepper spray days are over and today we have stylish handbags with an extra compartment for mommy’s pistol. To maintain my pacifist identity, I have developed a personal safety plan that does not include fire-arms training. Because I am not ready for the Annie Oakley bag, I have a low cost, practical solution. I will wear a whistle. I like this. It can be on a long chain which reminds me of old movies where the police blew whistles and carried ‘billy’ clubs. I am not sure who billy was, but I had an Aunt Josie who kept a billy club under her car seat and told me that if anyone got in her car, she would use it. This is the same auntie who baked wonderful pies.
How did I come up with the idea to defend myself with a whistle? Way back when, I had a purse siren which came in handy the day I was on a deserted street and tripped. I landed face down and needed help. My purse was within reach and the siren brought a good Samaritan to my aide.
Will I choose dangerous places to celebrate? Not me. Crowds, pickpockets, none of that appeals to me. My idea of danger is to walk to the dumpster after dark. When I was young, my parents frequently went to Times Square for their New Year’s Eve big night out. One year, my dad’s wallet was ‘lifted.’ I enjoyed most of my New Year’s Eve celebrations in a Florida town where the crowds were less crowded, and a pineapple gently ‘dropped’ at midnight.
Although I liked Florida’s creative spin, I am bothered by the decision to celebrate at this moment in time. Are we sure that this is the start of a new year? Counting from when? Moses? Adam? I need more facts. Too many other choices challenge the authenticity of the moment. What about the Jewish New Year when you get a honey cake? Or the Chinese New Year when people crowd under a shared dragon costume. None of it resonates as true. Can I put truth aside, accept the consequences and know that when the clock strikes twelve it will maybe, possibly be a New Year? Of course, I can. When you wear a whistle, all things are possible.
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