New Years Eve 2008

For the first time in many years, the Coopers are not throwing their usual Kid-Friendly New Years Eve Party.

I'm kind of sad. It was always such a fun, fun time. I miss my Austin friends a lot and I don't feel like I've made enough friends up here to throw the Yankee version of that party. Maybe by next year.

Actually, it may turn out to be just as well because look at what's happening outside:

It seems like a good night to stay by the fire with my little family, knitting my resolutions and hopes for the new year into some sort of rich fabric. Maybe a Coat of Blessings Future (sort of a Barb version of "A Christmas Carol.") I'm genuinely ready to put 2008 behind me, although I have some regret at not having risen more to the occasion of it. 2009 brings a clean slate and a new chance to rise to meet whatever challenges and opportunities lie before me, I guess.

Are y'all making any resolutions this year? I'm going to spend some time thinking seriously about what I want to accomplish this next year and thinking about a plan to achieve all that. I love this feeling --as though the year is still mine to shape as it stretches out before me. I kind of lost that in 2008 and started letting events shape ME instead of the other way around. (Well, you know, events and CHOCOLATE. I'm going to do less of THAT in 2009, too.)

Meanwhile, though, have a blessed, safe and warm end to 2008. See you in the bright and shiny new year!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Happy new year. Those pictures look so inviting. I'm glad you have a nice warm fire to sit by and enjoy the snow.
Ream O Rama said…
That is exactly what New Year's Eve should look like. I hope that 2009 brings many blessings to you and your family-
Anonymous said…
Sounds like a perfect way to ring in the new year. Happy New Year, Barb!
Anonymous said…
Happy New Year Barb! We really missed you all last night. For the first time in nearly 7 years, we had different plans for New Years. We ran into Andrew and Joanne down at First Night and it was so funny, we were all a little lost without the Cooper Kid-Friendly-New-Years-Eve party. It was a tradition that we all truly enjoyed and looked forward to. I guess it is time for new traditions for all of us. By this time next year, you will certainly have the Long Island version going strong. Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthier 2009. Katie
Ei said…
Awww...Katie made me a little misty there, :).

My new years resolution is to just appreciate more...slow the brain down and let life be and try to smile at it more. HUGS.
MadMad said…
Ooooh! You said it! I hope to plan my new year a little better and have a little less chocolate (wine!) shaping me! Good luck to us both!
Unknown said…
happy new year! hope your year plan comes together easily and is just as easy to carry out.

i started significantly reducing my food intake about a month ago and I plan to keep that up.
Unknown said…
happy new year! hope your year plan comes together easily and is just as easy to carry out.

i started significantly reducing my food intake about a month ago and I plan to keep that up.
Miri said…
Happy New Year! I am so jealous that you had a three-hour head start.

We always do a kid-friendly New Year's Eve. We set the clock ahead to your time (doesn't fool M any longer, but *I* forget every year!) and party.

We all make predictions a la "Laura will take her first steps in February's second week."
And we read last year's predictions.

May your 2009 allow you to shape something beautiful.
Mary Ellen said…
I managed to stay awake until midnight for the first time in a few years, so I was very proud of myself. I think 2009 will be a better year - it almost has to be.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Stop it! The pictures of snow are so filling me with envy I can hardly speak. I realize you must miss your Austin crowd terribly, but remember on January 3rd, this Austin family had to turn the flipping A/C on! As they say in the U.K., "Gordon Bennett!"