A new year (and birthday )thought

Its the first day of new year and I am thinking what people have been thinking on this day since ancient times. It is said that Babylonians first started having new year resolutions and people since that time have been making (and of course breaking) these every year. A friend asked today about my birthday wish and my new year resolution and I candidly told him that I have few constant issues in my life which come in the form of my resolutions every year ...but are yet to be completed/achieved. These are some very selfish and very materialist hopes and no earth shaking stuff. ( the list includes shedding few kilos and trekking to Tibet ) Once caught in an 'ice breaking session' during a training I was asked to list three of my most desired wishes . We were to write it out on a paper and put in on our dress for others to read while we circulate . I actually wrote :
1. To get a Booker price for my first book ...before I turn 30
2. To get my wax statue at Madam Tussuad's
3. To eventually get a Nobel for literature

These were truly my three most desired wishes at that moment. But then I realised that I was the only one in that room who was thinking on such mundane worldly level. Others thought of " making a difference to the world" , "spreading kindness and happiness all around them" and being "great persons ". Since that day I am quite scared of announcing this list . I rather prefer to make and break it secretly .

Anyways....for me its also my birthday and it is only fair for a birthday girl to make a wish. Let me think about what I want in the year to come ?To begin with I want to visit new and far off places, meet interesting people, do important work, read good books and generally be happy. Well ....I also want to own my first car in 2009 ( the incorrigible material me!!!) .
I also have another list of things I want from God . Here goes my prayer:
Dear Lord, please give me… A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value, without which the world would be the poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel on the journey of life ,
even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humor;
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of your presence ;
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come.
Amen.
Just can't end this post without wishing everyone who reads this a very happy 2009 . May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for currency notes .......... May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. .................May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words ............have a wonderful year 2009.