I had a wonderful holiday season. Truth be told, though, I have never been more glad to see it over. It is not, of course, because I did not have fun, or that I did not thoroughly enjoy seeing my friends and family. Instead, it is because, in my mind, it caps off five months of the long process of moving, starting a new job, getting settled, ramping up on a new job, and getting acclimated to this city. I think that layering a holiday on top of all of that was a bit much. But it's not like you can put off the holiday like I have been putting off opening all that stacked-up mail.
My New Year's Eve in New York was like New Year's Eve everywhere else, stuck wondering what would be the best option. After hearing nightmare stories from co-workers, Times Square was definitely out. My good friend Rob was up from Atlanta, and we debated what to do right up until we walked into the G Lounge. Believe me, there were many, many choices, many more than I have ever had in front of me. Yet, New Year's is one of those evenings that, no matter what you do, you feel like you could/should be doing more. We did enjoy some great music, and a festive New Year's toast with hundreds of my new Chelsea friends at G, so overall I was happy.
New Year's day was spent, in part, looking for a diner that served black-eyed peas. As you know, eating black-eyed peas and collard greens is a Southern tradition to bring good luck and money in the new year. I wasn't pretending I would ever find collard greens up here, but hoping for some black eyed peas. As far as I can tell, at least around Chelsea, the tradition doesn't really translate. I would have had better luck finding Santa still delivering presents than finding black eyed peas.
Finally, I went into the Dallas BBQ on 23rd hoping they would have some, but no luck. So, here's hoping that cole slaw works its own special magic in 2008.
Happy New Year!
John
