A new year, a new perspective, a clean slate. I mourn the memories of last year, knowing like the many previous they will fade slowly into the texture of my past, interwoven and sporatic. In this period of reflection and mourning, I take a walk. The air at the waterfront is crisp and cold and I find it startling. I take fresh, deep breaths of it, imagining it filling all the newly emptied cavaties in my torso, soothing me. I watch the seagulls play leap frog along the railing, following me as I advance my steps. A fresh challenge lies ahead, and I am diving headfirst.