Apalachin Community Press, Dec 1999

Annie's Corner by Anne O. Stout

As the new millennium is fast approaching, I am sure all of you are like me, wondering what it will bring.

I was recently reading an article on predictions for the coming century. One item mentioned was how hot the earth may get, then how cold. People are going to live longer, but be heavier. (I won't be alone.) We may cure cancer, but newer, worse illnesses are coming. Cloning and artificial breeding will be more common in humans, and etc. and etc. ECK! Don't know about you, but these predictions were not exactly encouraging to me.

I decided to put away the article and think smaller, you know my corner of the world. The year 2000 marks my entrance in the 40-somethings, all three of my children will graduate high school and, hopefully, go to college. We will buy another home, new vehicles, and etc. and etc. Ugh, don't want to think this far ahead either.

How about New Year's Eve 2000? We have an alternative heat and light source, some food stored away (oops, freezers won't run), and a little cash on hand; is this enough? How long may we be without power? Will we be without? Maybe we won't lose power, but I sure don't plan to be in the air traveling that night.

What if you're at the party of the century, celebrating the new millennium too much, will you even notice if the lights go out and the music stops? Will you be able to get home from the party even if you are sober? (Where are the traffic lights?) May be better to deal with it at home, huddled around the fireplace with blankets?

Oooh, this is mind boggling, too, think more immediate, I tell myself. I have barely started my Christmas shopping, the cards are patiently waiting to be written and sent, and I have gifts to get made. Time is flying by and as usual, I am not ready. Oh, woe is me, too much thinking.

A nap sounds real good about now, and when I wake up - no more thinking.

PS - what does the "K" stand for? Calamity, Chaos, and Catastrophe all start with a "C."