Okay, how do you like to celebrate the New Year?--Al

-- Al Schroeder (al.schroeder@nashville.com), December 31, 1999

Answers

Y'know, last night was a wonderful way to welcome a New Year. We went to a friends' house for a potluck dinner with all of our children. I couldn't imagine celebrating something as significant as the rollover of all four digets without my children and friends. We laughed a lot and hugged nearly as much. I've never been a frilly poo-poo kind of person, give me a shoes off kind of deal over a black-tie gala anyday!!

-- Glenna B. Yarnot (Glenna@Yarnot.cncfamily.com), January 01, 2000.

with a group of cheerful, enjoyable, wise cracking friends and family. like my predecessor i also like a coats, ties both off, sleeves rolled up if they are long and stocking feet if the floor is smooth, warm and clean kind of shindig. to me family and friends close around are the important things in life and everything else is trimmings.

-- doug (ionoi@webtv.net), January 02, 2000.

This would probably be considered pathetic by anyone but me, but here goes: For most of my life, I tried to make New Year's Eve as big a deal as I possibly could. I tried to always go to the coolest party, wear the most beautiful outfit, and be kissed at midnight by my Crush du Jour. A few years ago, at the age of about 28, I realized that staying home by myself watching Dick Clark and hearing Barry Manilow sing "It's Just Another New Year's Eve" is a much more peaceful way to ease into the new year. If I go out on New Year's Eve, I have unrealistic expectations and just come home drunk and disappointed. I was not prepared for the sea change in my attitude toward life that came with approaching 30. All the hang-ups, worries, angst and ennui of my teens and twenties, I just let it all go. I stopped being so concerned with how other people perceive me. I stepped away from emotionally unhealthy people and situations. I faced the fact that I may never get married or have children and I didn't die! I quit my stressful, high-paying job for one that I actually enjoy. I do what makes me happy and appreciate what I have. Wisdom is a beautiful thing.

-- anderwillow (anderwillow@aol.com), May 04, 2002.