Happy New Year!!

Well, 2006 is almost over. Just a few more hours to go and then it's done. I'm a little bit bummed out that I'm feeling so under the weather and running a fever and am not going out to party and ring in the new year. I did have it in my head that I would just push through it and forge into the revels like a good little trooper, but when it comes right down to it I just can't figure why everyone gets all worked up over changing the date on their calendars anyway. Besides, here at home I've got Garrison Keillor, a decent view of the fireworks up on my roof, this or that friend stopping by, and a bottle of champagne that I don't necessarily have to share with anyone at all. So, even this worst case scenario is pretty rockin' in my book.
So, in my delirium, I'm taking the opportunity to reflect on everything that has happened in this past year. Most of the memories will be forgotten in time, but there have been some incredible and not so incredible ones that I will remember for years to come. Lots of great ones with Johnny, lots of hellish ones with Chestnut. Friends who have proven their hearts to me for better or for worse - new friends made, old friendships made stronger, and other old friendships lost. This was a year for travelling all over the country, and seeing loved ones in all their far flung places. It was a year that tested my resolve in everything I do, be it work, relationships, family, or fun. It was a year of losing the three things I cared the most about. And, it was a year for shaking myself down to the very foundation so I can start to rebuild. It's been a rough year on a lot of different fronts, dealing with the limits of both body and spirit, and just when I thought it was clearing or that I couldn't possibly take another hit, there would be one more surprise for me waiting around the corner. Even now, after all of this time, I'm still getting fucked over by Johnny, err, Chestnut, and whether or not he did it intentionally, it still burns like crazy.
But tonight is no longer about 2006. Tonight is the night to drink the wine that Johnny and I bought at Chateau Ste. Michelle and were saving for a special occassion - out with the old, in with the new! Tonight's the night to clean the cobwebs and start fresh. Tonight is the night to reach out to all of my loved ones and tell them thank you for everything they have done for me this year and to make damn sure they know how much I appreciate them. Hell, I've even been trying to reach my best friend from back in Reno all day today, but am having trouble tracking her down. Tomorrow is a new year.
Although I've never gone for New Years Resolutions, I can promise you that 2007 is going to rock my socks off. Starting in a week, I will be a college student again. In 9 months I will be moving to another state, and who knows which one I'll choose. And just knowing that I'll be moving is so unbelievably freeing. I don't feel like I'm obligated to go out and find a new relationship to be in, because who starts a new relationship knowing that they're moving? Instead I get to just have fun and be the best me I can be, which has always been the me I am when I'm single. Sure, there will be guys (and pirates, and possibly girls) in my life. But the pressure is off, and the only person I have to make happy is myself. And considering how many great and unbelievable people I am surrounded by, both family and friends, and that I have a great job and a blindingly bright future, how could I not be happy?
So, a warm welcome to you, 2007! May you be the best year yet!