A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

new year's eve

How do you ring in the New Year?

As this month moves by at a rapid pace – when doesn’t December go by quickly? – I’ve realized that means we’ll be flipping the calendar to 2017 shortly.

Of course, that also means ringing in the New Year on December 31.

I know, for many people, that is a festive night full of food, friends, family cocktails, and whatever else. For many, it means standing outside for 10-plus hours in freezing weather to watch a ball drop in New York City.

For others, it means going to bed before midnight and not worrying about anything.

I’ve never been much of a New Year’s person. I don’t really enjoy going out with mobs of people to watch somebody get drunk and silly. I don’t find the enjoyment in bars or anything. I don’t have kids, so hanging out in that aspect obviously doesn’t mean much.

So, the annual quandary continues.

What to do on New Year’s Eve?

Every year ends up being somewhat the same. I’m usually home well before midnight and watch the ball drop via television. In year’s past, I’ve gone to the local “First Night” celebration to take in some music and fireworks and take photos. Alas, the event usually ends around 10:15 or so, which makes me wonder how much of a “First Night” it is being it can’t get out of the previous year.

There’s always a chance I do that, though, if not just to take some photos. We’ll see though.

In the end, I may just take the day to sit back with my feet up. Maybe I’ll take a stroll around town during the day, and then play a couple of solo board games and watch the ball drop on TV. It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, I know. But, it’s more comfortable than going out and having too many people all around.

What about you, though? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? And what have you done in the past? Have you changed?

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Oh joy, it’s New Year’s Eve

First Night from 2007 when the event had so much more to offer than in recent years.

No lie — I can’t stand New Year’s Eve.

I’ve never been much of a fan of this night. And, more often than not, I end up spending the night by myself or with a few others and I’m usually home soon after midnight.

As I’ve grown older, I’m not much of a boozer and don’t really like being around a bunch of intoxicated people. More than that, I don’t like being on the road knowing there’s a good chance somebody out there will be driving drunk.

Moody McCarthy, a highly entertaining comedian, performs at First Night 2007.

I’ve done the First Night thing a few times and it’s OK.

Most people I hang out with on a regular basis have things going on with significant others or whoever else. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t usually ask more than a few people what they are doing because the end answer is usually something that doesn’t make the night any better.

This year, I’ll be hitting up the local First Night event.

It’s usually pretty decent. The only thing I dislike is that it’s over by 10:30. Fireworks are at 10:15 and then it’s over. Just like that.

What’s the point?

First Night events I’ve seen elsewhere go until midnight as it’s supposed to be a way for people to have an alcohol-free way to ring in the new year.

The new year doesn’t start at 10:30.

This was called something like the fire of regret. It burned at midnight and was supposed to be a way for you to put the year behind you and move forward. At the 2007 First Night.

That gives people a chance to get to bars or parties and that seems to defeat the purpose. If I felt like driving, I’d head to Saratoga or Syracuse as the events there look way more in-depth and go until midnight. Please note, I also realize those places have more money to the event than the one I am heading to — so I get that it can’t be as big. But it could still go until midnight.

I guess the one bonus is that means I can get back home before midnight and give myself the opportunity to watch the ball drop on television or walk down to the local pub for a pint of Guinness.

I will look forward to some of this First Night event because there are some musical acts I am looking forward to. And, I’ll bring the camera along to get some images throughout the night. Plus, I always like to take photos of fireworks! I’ll have to see where they are shooting from and see if I can get a cool spot from which to shoot. Maybe over the pond in the one park, though I’ve never been too successful with fireworks shots like that.

Looking at the schedule, though, it seems like it’s basically kids things or musical acts. I realize it costs money to pull this event off, but I think of my first local First Night in 2007.

We saw a comedian, several musical acts, some variety acts, fireworks and more. It was diverse. More spots were used. It gave people a lot to choose from. But the area lost First Night for a few years and it’s returned. But it needs to grow and it doesn’t seem to get better each year, rather stay the same.

Fireworks from the 2010 First Night event.

In the end, it’s First Night or sitting at home all night tweeting/job hunting/watching TV and realizing I need to find a job in an area more populated with more options.

Though, to be fair in that regard, larger areas mean more people drinking, too.

In the end, I’ll make the most of it. I like some of the acts and there are a couple of others I want to check out. Alas, it’s not as diverse as in the past and I don’t know what some things are because there are no descriptions on the website.

But it’s better than staying home.

To everyone who loves and enjoys this night, Happy New Year! And here’s to hoping 2013 is much better than 2012.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

The end is near…

Get the hell out of here, 2011.

Soon, 2011 will be in the rear view mirror.

I can’t say I’ll miss it. I hope to have an extended year in review sort of post this Sunday, but for now, it’s knowing that 2011 is soon going to be over has me somewhat smiling.

That and I’m trying to avoid paying bills today because it’s so boring!

With that in mind, that means another New Year’s Eve is coming. I’ve never been a massive New Year’s Eve fan. It just seems like it’s a reason for people to get snookered. That being said, every New Year’s Eve thing I’ve gone to has been quite calm. Some hooting and hollering, but usually people are tame.

I usually attempt to head over the the area’s First Night. It’s a decent time, but in recent years, it’s become a thing where most of the entertainment ends around 10 p.m. Then the fireworks go off and it’s done.

Just like that.

I always thought First Night was supposed to bring you to midnight and help you ring in the new year. Ah well.

There are a couple of acts I wouldn’t mind seeing this year, so maybe I’ll do it again. It’s $15 for the button, though (unless you don’t want to go watch any of the indoor events, in which case it’s free).

So, who knows.

A pint of Guinness at midnight wouldn’t be a bad way to celebrate, however.

How about all of you out there? Any big plans for the night? Are any of you braving New York City or some other major celebration? Or are you just going to sit back with someone else or by yourself and watch the ball drop? A drink or three? A pizza? A sandwich? A prime rib dinner? Drop a note in the comments and let me know how you’re spending New Year’s Eve.

I’ll probably make my decision, oh, sometime Dec. 31. Hopefully before the ball drops.

***

To everyone, have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve tomorrow night. Be good to one another and, if you are drinking, please don’t drive. Let somebody help you home. A taxi. A bus. Your two feet (even if your arms are draped around somebody else’s shoulders for support!)

And, as a side note — AAA is offering a service if you need a ride home and don’t have a designated driver. They have a free “Tipsy Tow” on New Year’s Eve that runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The service apparently runs within a 5-mile radius and not all areas are doing it, so make sure your local one is before planning on it. Anyway, you call 800-222-4357 and tell the operator you need a Tipsy Tow. A truck will be dispatched to snag your car and bring you home (again, 5 miles apparently). You DON’T have to be an AAA member to use this service. IF you do use the service, however, remember to be nice and tip your driver — he’s working New Year’s Eve!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!