The Old and The New
Thought #1
From Lileks on New Year's Eve:

Is it not typically American to celebrate the eve of the new year rather than the arrival of the thing itself? We don’t celebrate the old dead year shuffling off to die, or the new year that gets dropped squalling in our laps. We celebrate that giddy boozy interval between what was and what will be.

I was struck by Lileks' insight into our American (is it also human?) tendency to be in the moment. It is of course the best way - to live in some significant way in the moment. The past is beyond our ability to do anything about but get over it. The future is within some says able to be affected by what we do, but generally, if we are honest, we know that it, too, is pretty much beyond us. That leaves us with today. So let's enjoy it.

But beyond that I think the "in-the-moment" approach to New Year is that it is a way to forget for a moment the fact that we are mortal. Each passing year makes us more aware so we ignore it. Of course both Lileks and me could be making far too much of this. Perhaps it is just the human tendency to go have a party!

Thought #2
So how was my party? It was the 34th New Year my wife and I have known from when we met in late 1970 until now. We turned on CNN in the motel room, I got in my pajamas, crawled into bed and watched the people in Times Square (and Key West) have a great time for the cameras and just for fun. I picked up a book and turned off the TV at 12:10. She was asleep by 12:20 and I was asleep by 12:40. Exciting, huh?