Only the Ginger Will Survive the Apocalypse

This will be the first year since I was eleven or twelve that I haven't stayed up 'til midnight on New Year's Eve. Hey, it's only 10:20 -- it might happen. But I plan on taking Nyquil and magnesium around 10:30 or so, and I won't be long for this world after that. It wasn't bound to be an exciting night even if I hadn't gotten sick -- no plans, no one to kiss at midnight or anything like that. I just like seeing the clock turn over a second, a minute, an hour, a day, and a year all at once. I suppose you can give yourself a fresh start and a clean slate at any time, but a new year just feels fresh and clear. Untarnished. Full of possibility.

I miss New Year's Eve in Germany. We always set off our fireworks early; and at midnight, we'd gather on the balcony with wassail or eggnog (non-alcoholic, of course) and watch the town light up. It was beautiful.

I'm enjoying sitting here in my pajamas, listening to music on my laptop and reading a good book. I'm glad I didn't have to cancel plans for this evening because I'm sick. I'll be glad to get a half-decent night's sleep.

But a part of me will be watching fireworks at midnight with a hot, spiced beverage and good friends.

I hope 2006 brings you all more joy and less stress, more delights and fewer heartaches, more friendship and less enmity.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.

Happy New Year!