Merry New Year

Well, this year our children weren't the only ones ringing in the new year in a festive environment. Translation: we broke tradition (that being extreme anti-socialism and laziness) and went to a party. The gathering was just ten minutes away which gave us little excuse not to ditch the pajama pants and go hang out with some grown-ups. The pressure was on. Could we make it to midnight or would we have to bail after the ball dropped in Times Square? It was touch and go but thanks to our gracious hosts (who practically barred the door), Daniel and I welcomed the New Year together at midnight CST for the first time in several years. While I was dreading leaving the house (hey, it was below zero) and walking into a house full of strangers, I have to admit I actually had a good time. I met some warm, intelligent people, saw the end of the Blackhawks game on a screen that was bigger than the one at my local theater and stuffed myself with the best shrimp I've had since I last visited San Francisco. All in all, not a bad way to ring in two thousand ten. Or is it twenty ten? I still haven't decided.