by laura beth

I am not a huge fan of resolutions, nor do I really feel that the New Year brings a clean slate. I have recently heard several people make comments such as "Man I can wait until this year is over," usually in reference to the poor economy or some tragedy that has impacted them in 2008. As if the changing of the calendar at midnight on December 31st brings about a magical change, and in the morning everything comes up roses. More often than not, everything does come up the next morning, but believe me, it's not roses. Change can be gradual.

That all being said, I love a good excuse to par-tay. We had 2 invitations this New Year's Eve, to enjoy the company of Brett, Cathi, Jen, and Dean in Huntington Beach, and also to party with Matt and Chris Rice and friends. So we did both. Brett and Cathi did up the food real nice (as per usual). They made a nice filet minion with bleu cheese and a garlic/port wine reduction, creamed corn (from scratch!), baked potatoes and yams, cheese fondue, various chips, cracker, veggies, and dips, and free-flowing wine, beer, and booze. We ate, laughed, laughed, ate, laughed at Brett, ate, and played a kick-ass game of Cranium. And by kick-ass I mean Cathi and I kicked everybody else's ass. Cranium can get a little raunchy. I blushed more than once.

We then headed over to the Rice's and joined in a game of Scattergories with Matt, Chris, Mike, Heather, and Andy. We enjoyed pizza, chips and dip, and drink. Matt made a lovely concoction of Sailor Jerry's spiced rum and eggnog. Wowser! After ringing in the New Year with a few fireworks and sparklers (stealthily since they're illegal in Long Beach), we watched Silent Night, Deadly Night. We had a big living room slumber party, and watched a little Sesame Street the next morning (with little Xander) over a nice breakfast, compliments of Chris. Kenny and I went home for a little nap and then I headed to work for a little time-and-a-half action. What awesome friends and family we have! Hoorah for 2009!