Check Ya Later, Two Thousand Eight

You've been a helluva year.

Nick and me at last year's ball drop in our cute little town

Good in many ways, great in a select few ways, and crappy in some others. But overall, you've taught me a lot, and I'm stepping into 2009 a bit wiser (and perhaps a bit chubbier... I blame my mom's Christmas mashed potatoes for that one).

Tonight is the first New Year's Eve (in the last four that we've spent together) that we're not going out on the town with friends, but I am very much looking forward to our quiet night. Chinese takeout (General Tso's for me... perhaps another reason for the chub-factor), movies at home in my comfy clothes, and a stroll down the street a few minutes before midnight for the ball drop in our town. Tomorrow, we're going to brave the Philadelphia cold and venture to the Mummer's Parade — a great Philly tradition that my family always took part in when I was a kid. Nick has never been there so I'm excited for him to experience the fun of it all.

Happy New Year, everyone! Be safe!