New Year's Eve Musings

   I distinctly recall a New Year's Eve (NYE) several years ago where I just HAD to have a certain outfit to wear and HAD to have a perfect party and HAD to go out to the bars afterward and HAD to have a perfect night.  I remember finding an awesome top on line and spending nearly $90 on it (plus expedited shipping) so that I would have my awesome NYE outfit.  Despite the fact that it had a gorgeous beaded peacock on it, even I have to admit that $90 was a tad excessive.  Not to mention the money and time spent in preparing for my party/paying cover charges at bars/drink expenses.  And quite honestly, it was a fun night (I suppose) but honestly not much different than any other night out, other than the higher bill.  I thought that the whole evening was just a prelude to the magical moment at midnight when everyone cheers and drinks champagne and kisses one another.  And when that moment came, your whole night was supposed to be transformed into one of those movie moments where you are having the time of your life and champagne rains from the heavens.  Get real.

   I've had several NYEs along those same lines and all of them seem to end up being a bit of a let down because we put so much pressure on one night to be this magical end all/be all of awesome trophy worthy nights.  I've actually had plenty of nights out that end up being so much better than NYE because they were very unplanned, unchoreographed and impromptu so that you focus on the good time you're actually having, rather than the amazing time you're supposed to be having.  (An evening of speaking Arabic to cab drivers and getting cheese in one's hair comes to mind).  So for the past few years, I've eschewed the pursuit of grandeur and had significantly lower key NYEs and had way more fun in the process.

   Last year, I recall my "prefect outfit" consisting of my ratty UWO sweatshirt, socks and jeans.  I spent the evening with good friends drinking a few beers and playing Nintendo Wii all night.  Who knew that 4 player Super Mario Brothers could be so amusing... I had a great time.  Then this year, I again spent the time with great friends and my new fiancee.  We all went to dinner at a fun new Italian place in St. Paul, then went back home and watched a movie and completely missed midnight because we weren't even paying attention.  And again, I had a great time.  No pressure or expectations, just fun (and an awesome olive selection... seriously, try out Scusi, you won't regret it).

   Maybe I'm just getting old and lame, but these days I'd prefer a good meal and a good movie to a bar and a crowded dance floor.  So happy New Year and Happy 2011 to everyone from this fallen away NYE partier!!!  I'll sit here with my sweatshirt and beer and go to bed early and leave the insane NYE partying to those that are much cooler than I!