Gadling Take FIVE: Week of Dec. 27--Jan. 2

First off, Happy 2009!

As we marked the passage of time, Heather graced us with a look at the New Year from her angle in the sky. I loved looking through the gallery of her last trip of 2008, particularly her details about the passenger who made origami birds for her to pass out to kids. Sweet.

Here are five more posts that offer a mixed bag from humorous to helpful to downright deep.

• Anything free gives me a sense of well-being. Alison pointed out that on January 10, Winter Trails Day, there are several opportunities to snowshoe or cross-country ski for free.
• Planning ahead can give the feeling of having some semblance of control. To help you out with that, Scott offers 10 travel resolutions geared for getting your 2009 travel on the right track.
• Kraig offered a story about how an iPod saved a skier and a snowboarder from freezing to death in the Swiss Alps which, as he stated, is as good a commercial as any for getting one.
• If SkyMall Monday doesn't warm your heart with a belly laugh or two, I don't know what will. Reading Mike's top 10 list of SkyMall Mondays is a great way to pass some time. I still like the Flair Hair Visor the best.
• Cemeteries might not seem cheery to some, but I love them. As my husband said the other day as we were driving by a small, intriguing cemetery in northern Ohio, they are filled with stories. The stories remind us that time is fleeting so don't waste it. Jeffery's look at New York City's famous cemeteries presents a glimpse into the past and how New York preserves the resting places of those who came before us. If there's any indication that life has value, here is proof.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Skiing, Business, Festivals and Events, Gear