I've been up all night cleaning and doing laundry, just so I could have a New Years Eve and Day without worrying about housework. Despite good intentions this has become an annual ritual, with some years more insane than others. In 2000, I was actually shampooing carpet in preparation for a New Years Day move, and wondering if the power would go out while I was cleaning. 7 pm EST, I was watching TV with one eye, and looking out of the window to see if the street lights would suddenly flicker. If I had know what was to happen the following years, I would have prayed for blackouts that lasted a week.
Other New Years Eve's have found me in church and wondering if (a) I would stay awake or (b) If I would hate the fire and brimstone sermon that accompanied the music. Either way, unlike Christmas where at least I get good food and presents, New Years' Eve reminds me of how I don't really get out that much with few compensating pleasures.
