As it turns out, my New Year's Eve ended up fairly low-key. I made it to two of the three parties I intended to go to, spending most of my time at my house with a small bunch of friends. There were others on my heart and mind though, that I would have loved to be with for my favorite holiday of the year.
At the stroke of midnight, Dick Clark ushered in the New Year as he has every year for decades now. Successor Ryan Seacrest performed main duties as master of ceremonies. Dick still had the honor of counting down the final seconds, but age and a stroke have made it difficult for him to speak as freely. Afterwards, Far East Movement kicked off the after-party concert. FM used to hang around REHAB/Scratch Academy and help man the registers. They've come a long way. It was one of those moments realizing things have changed.
It is with mixed feelings that I ring in this new year. I say farewell to the last year Hideo lived to see, but also welcome in a new year of the changes that have happened since - both in my own growth and in the relationships around me. People - like the years - have come and gone, and will continue to do so. I think 2011 will be about regaining my footing on things that last, finding a new way to hope.
Though a bit more melancholy than in years past, I welcome this new year as a gift that will unfold all the way through December 31. I think I'm a bit more ready for this one.
