We never ever do anything on New Year's Eve because, well, I don't know why. It used to be because I never liked having to drive when there are so many nuts on the road. But now that we've lived in San Francisco for almost two years, that's not really an excuse. Maybe it's because we don't live near the sort of close friends you want to ring the new year in with -- maybe it's just because Ben and I are way too antisocial for our own good.
When I was young I was told that the sort of mood you are in when the clock strikes twelve will determine how you'll feel the rest of the year. Perhaps my usual sadness on New Year's Eve explains why someone recently told me that I remind them of the Zoloft mascot, that little blob of gloom.
So, I'm blue and Zoloft blobish because I'm sad to see 2003 end. It's been an amazingly interesting year and perhaps the hardest of my life. I believe I've done more learning this year than I did during the past eight years combined. Starting a business, launching a online service and keeping one's sanity is pretty darn difficult but also incredibly rewarding. In the process, I also feel like like I've aged ten years. I'm still waiting for that carefree vacation we promised ourselves right before we launched Movable Type.
I can't leave this year without a brief wrap-up of the highlights (both personal and media-related):
Sushi: Ironically, it was on the flight back from Tokyo in January that I first ate a piece of sashimi. While there are probably rules about eating raw fish in coach, I couldn't resist. After that, I decided I could probably be a more adventurous with my eating habits. Here's to 2003 and a whole slew of new food items that have entered my stomach.
United Mileage Plus: It's funny that the way I got over (well, mostly got over) my fear of flying is by becoming a member of United's Mileage Plus program. Well, that and the magic of upgrading to business class. Special hat tip to Barak for introducing me to this magical world. Being compulsive about collecting miles is so much better than being obsessed with plunging to my death in a plane.
Travel: I saw Japan (twice), Finland, North Carolina, Chicago, New York, Washington DC and Germany and I met more interesting people in one year than in many many years combined. And, most all of them are webloggers.
Little Acorns by the White Stripes: I don't care if this song is supposed to be ironic or not -- all I know is that it got me through building out TypePad and all the stress associated with the business.
Spellbound: Simple, yet incredibly poignant storytelling in which smart and somewhat neurotic kids aren't made into punchlines.
Eating well in New York City: You know a city is great when, after dinner, you can get some really great ice cream and then go get some kick-ass hot dogs. Tabla was good too. Our first trip to New York exceeded our expectations and we're determined to one day move there.
US Weekly: Because this magazine is such utter crap it easily makes my list as one of our most entertaining new airplane-reading habits. Ben and I have countless hours of enjoyment reading it and mocking the telephoto pictures of Justin Timberlake eating a burger or Ashton Kutcher picking up Demi Moore's kids from school.
Survivor: Pearl Islands / Pirates of the Caribbean: I don't care if it's completely uncool to like Survivor. All I know is that this season kicked major pirate booty. I'm am forever a fan of Jeff Probst and his utter contempt for players that quit the game or don't fairly compete in challenges. And, Pirates of the Caribbean was so much better than it should have been. The Mena, who, as a little kid had a little pirate hook, pirate hat and pirate map (all courtesy of Disneyland) is terribly grateful of this.
David Sedaris at the War Memorial Opera House: His reading of The Ship Shape perfectly captured the melancholy of growing old and remembering the bittersweet moments that make up childhood.
Getting out of our freaking apartment: It wasn't until we got our office and I started leaving work at work that I realize that working out of a small apartment for almost two years is really not the best thing for someone's well being -- let alone a marriage.
So, I say adieu to 2003 and hope for an even better 2004.
