January 31

Today is the official end of the "new" year. It's over. No more Christmas references. No more "Happy New Year" (unless it's the Lunar New Year). It's the day that marks the beginning of the year slip sliding away back into old habits, the ones that were temporarily staved off by the new year resolutions. It's the day you give up the ghost of the last resolution. Throw in the towel. Quit the gym. And while you're at it, quit the year since time flies so fast, by the time February ends, you might as well get ready for the next year. Pessimistic? Maybe. Realistic? Yes.