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31 Dec 05:45am

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Filed under: Holidays, New Year S Eve, Parties, Summer

77 comments

It’s New Year’s Eve and I have no plans. Like… none.

Pic: Sturt Krygsman.

The prospect of ringing in the ‘biggest night of the year’ with nothing but Channel Nine’s fireworks telecast would once have caused me to sweat in fear. This year, it’s quite liberating. Because, let’s face it, everyone knows (and often says) that NYE is the most overrated night of the year after the Oscars.

Inflated prices, awkward chanting, hammered crowds. What’s not to hate?

My previous New Year’s Eve shenanigans can be classified thus: ‘Good’ or ‘Crap’.

Good was:

2007 - Getting a cheap house in the Grampians with 10 hilarious mates, all of us fond of Carlton Draught, schnitzels and anything recorded by Whitney Houston between 1984-1992.

2002 - Landing in Bangkok at the beginning of a six-month backpacking adventure and riding on a death trap motorcycle through the back streets of Patpong.

Crap was:

1999 - Ditching my best friends to attend a seemingly ‘cool’ party where I knew no one, only to end up walking alone down an empty road at midnight trying in vain to find said friends.

1995 (age 14) - Drinking an entire bottle of Smirnoff Vodka (375mls) in the shower before passing out underneath a stranger on a dirty beach and spending the next three days with my head in an orange bucket.

It’s hard to find a concrete pattern as to what makes good, and what makes crap. They all seemed like pearlers before the fact. I turned to Facebook to ask 550 of my nearest and dearest what their tips were for a guaranteed NYE fling to remember. The answers included:

* Pick a venue and stick to it at all costs. You’ll only realise the place you were at first was the best if you ‘chase the party.’

* Don’t make a big deal about whatever you do, like buy an expensive outfit or tickets. Crushing disappointment ensues.

* The best NYEs are event driven, such as a wedding. You’re all in it together and who doesn’t love a nice wedding?

Well that’s just confusing. Don’t make a big deal out of it, but do make a big deal out of it? I need to find more engaged friends.

Most NYEs fall partly into one of these categories:

The big night: Buy $360 tickets to a dance party with a hyperbolic name (eg: Every Picture Tells A Thousand Fluffy Daze at the Horden). Line up for 50 minutes to have a shirtless bartender charge more than a return ticket to Bali for a round of vodka Red Bulls. Spend three hours getting home. Wake up hungover.

The out of towner: Get together a group and get the hell out of your city or regional centre. Buy wine and Kettle chips in bulk. Get everyone to make a ‘best songs of 2010’ play list and organise a game of Celebrity Head. Wake up hungover.

The house party: Encourage an acquaintance to open the doors of their newly renovated flat/house/duplex/maisonette and invite every hanger on and stray in your iPhone. Concoct a dubiously hued punch. Accidentally start the countdown five minutes early. Wake up hungover.

The public bar: Head to your favourite local, commandeer the jukebox, chat up the barman, then lock yourself in the bathroom for the countdown because you don’t have anyone to pash. Vomit. Wake up hungover.

The deliberate boycott: Turn off your phone and spend the night on the couch reading the instruction manuals to gifts you got at Christmas. Reassure yourself how much money you saved. Wake up fresh, but slightly bitter and hollow inside. Like an old passionfruit.

New Year’s Eve also demands some inevitable conversations - so I’ve made a few notes so I’m not caught off guard.

Conversation One:

“Wow, I can’t believe it’s (INSERT YEAR).”

“Yeah, I know! Time flies.”

“This year has gone soooooo quickly.”

“Yeah… but when you think about it, it definitely has been a year.”

Conversation Two:

“What’s the worst New Years Eve you’ve ever had?”

“This one.”

“Haha. No, but seriously.”

Conversation Three:

“Got any New Year’s Resolutions?”

“I’m giving up wheat.”

“I’m giving up sex! Just kidding. Hahaha. What’s your name again?”

Honestly, all it takes to have a decent New Year’s Eve is a few friends or family who don’t make you openly hostile. Set the bar low! This is a night for fresh starts and the only way is up. Or down, then up.

And the most important tip? Don’t drink Smirnoff Vodka in the shower.

Now, over to you. What will you make of New Years Eve, 2010?

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77 comments

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- Elphaba says:
  
  06:06am | 31/12/10
  
  I’ve got no plans either! NYE and work Christmas parties - I just don’t get it.
  
  Reply
Spanish Girl says:

08:47am | 31/12/10

I’m with you Elphaba. I haven’t done anything for new years since all the hoopla in 1999/2000. Even then I just fel asleep on the sofa watching it on telly. My son was little at the time and I had no partner so there was nowhere for me to go.

I actually like waking up refreshed and non hung over, ready to get stuck into the day doing things I actually like doing. It would piss me off royally to be drunk and tired in the crowded city with no way of getting home at 3 am. Been there, done that, when I was in my 20s and not interested any more.

I’ll leave the vomiting in the street and massive headaches to all the idiots out there who still think that new years is anything to celebrate.
fairsfair says:

09:05am | 31/12/10

I am exactly the same. I am just tired. I have no money and I hate most things about NYE. So I at this point I think I will be asleep on the couch come midnight. I have to say though, what is it that is so embarassing about admitting that? I was kind of squinting even as I typed that. I just had a colleague ask me what I was doing and I said “oh just a quiet one this year” (thats ok, thats fine - but she was still looking at me like… and then?) so I rounded it off with “just a few friends over at my place, you know”.... NO, I don’t know! Why did I just do that? Oh the shame of making up fake plans when I am looking forward to a glass of sav blanc, maybe some pasta and a bit of Friday night telly. Escape to the Country is on!
Elphaba says:

09:28am | 31/12/10

Don’t feel embarrassed fairsfair. I don’t mind if someone is having a do at their place, but this year, I’m just staying in. I’ve seen the fireworks before, so I’m thinking a little homemade pizza, a bottle of wine, (Foxtel usually throws on a marathon of something like Friends or South Park), an empty house, and up nice and early tomorrow morning and hit the beach.

I’m catching up with people next week anyway, where we’ll have dinner in a (normally) priced restaurant, instead of the absolute fortune some restaraunters expect you to spend just because it’s NYE. Although I’m wondering if that idea will bite some businesses in the bum given the spending downturn…
nick says:

10:14am | 31/12/10

the best thing to do on new year’s eve is actually to sleep early, this way on the next day you can:

- Wake up early
- Go to a place where you know your friends are passed out drunk (probably their house)
- Draw on all their faces with permanent marker, make sure you use different styles of drawing so they’ll think the drawings are done by more than one person
- Go back home
- Come back later in the day when you know they’re going to be awake
- Hilarity ensues

Chances are they’re not gonna know it’s you since they were really drunk the night before and as far as they know you weren’t even there. I’ve done this a couple of times now and nobody knows.

Alternatively, if you feel like being mean. If one of your ‘friends’ is not actually a friend but rather somebody you don’t actually like but who is also part of your social group, then draw on everyone’s face except for theirs. That person will likely get blamed for everything
Elphaba says:

10:27am | 31/12/10

@nick, I like your thinking.
hot tub political machine says:

10:42am | 31/12/10

Fairs Fair,

Its kinda different with the peeps I know - its actually more embarrasing to say you are going to have a big one. Everyone I know would just assume you have more dollars than sense (the pun doesn’t work as well written) if you said you were going out tonight.
Justine says:

12:21pm | 31/12/10

No plans here. I am over the parties, rich food and alcohol well and truly by NYE. Last few years i have gone to bed early got up with the sun and head to the beach (weather permitting) suprisingly empty on NYD at that time.
grumpy old man says:

01:59pm | 31/12/10

I’m with you Elphaba, I have never understood New Years, and I simply don’t do work Christmas parties…too dangerous!. I’ll be asleep by 11, and up early on Saturday to make the most of the long week end. And if he neighbours make too much noise tonight, then I might just mow the lawn, trim the edges and clean up with the leaf blower first thing….just for fun you understand!
- Ros says:
  
  06:16am | 31/12/10
  
  Thanks for this article, Michael. Has started off my New Year’s with a smile. Sadly, I may be the bitter passionfruit…
  
  Reply
- Old Clive says:
  
  07:03am | 31/12/10
  
  with or without clothes on, on the beach, was there an atomic climax.
  
  Reply
- Daniel says:
  
  07:45am | 31/12/10
  
  We are spending NYE at home me and my new wife. She is having panic attacks for not doing anything. We normally get trashed and end up walking miles or getting on a rotten train to come home with a carriage full of drunk weirdos and randoms. It will be great to have a quiet one.
  
  Reply
- Paul says:
  
  07:48am | 31/12/10
  
  1999 was fine because I was in Paris. Otherwise, it’s a waste of time. Welcome to adulthood.
  
  Reply
- Rob S says:
  
  07:59am | 31/12/10
  
  Yeah me too,
  my girl’s away for the New Year,
  I’ll watch the bangers on TV at home,
  then wait a while and about 0300 am cruise around the CBD on me bike with a camera on my helmet,
  should make an interesting video,
  it’ll be on uTube if any good
  Happy New Year
  
  Reply
Dan says:

11:09am | 31/12/10

Haha that’s an awesome idea! The Valley should provide a multitude of epic drunk people.
- rufus says:
  
  08:00am | 31/12/10
  
  Watching fireworks on TV - crap.
  
  Reply
- Rosie says:
  
  08:10am | 31/12/10
  
  NYE for me is having a few friends around, thank goodness we have reached the stage where our kids can take care of themselves, so no kids! We get together at about 5.30pm for some serious chatting and slow drinking! At about 7pm, eats, a spread that is left on the table and eat when you want. About 8 pm the party begins, more arrivals, loud music and dancing. There is a rule, woman folk ask the men to dance and they must not refuse! Drinking is never high on our priority these days but singing! After the dancing, a friend plays the guitar and songs of the 60s, 70s,80s are being sung our way! What I make sure of is that we have the lyrics to all these songs so everyone sings!
  
  Always a great night and by 1pm the arrival of our children who have found that the parties they have attended has been boring and everyone in La la land. They come in to join us and in most cases we hang in there for the sun to rise!
  
  Must go and prepare - Happy New Year All!
  
  Reply
- S.L says:
  
  08:25am | 31/12/10
  
  I’m working tonight. Dealing with drunks and instant experts on the public transport industry. The one friday night of the year where I can’t wait until Saturday!
  15 hours straight with my only break is when filling up with gas.
  
  Reply
hot tub political machine says:

08:36am | 31/12/10

my sympathies. You and your workmates will need each other tonight.
- Emma says:
  
  08:26am | 31/12/10
  
  Hmm..over rated event since I have never seen the point of drinking until I fall down, hate crowds and the thought of going out and having people vomit on my shoes doesn’t appeal
  BBQ with friends and family planned for tonight (first time in years) not much drinking, good food, company, conversation and music. Might watch the fireworks or might not.
  
  Reply
- hot tub political machine says:
  
  08:34am | 31/12/10
  
  It’s too freaking hot in Adelaide today - might drive to one of the hard to get to beaches and sit in the water with a six pack.
  
  Reply
fairsfair says:

09:08am | 31/12/10

HTPM, have you got one of those inflatable, floating stubbie coolers? It is up there with the wine glass lanyard. Two of the greatest advancements of human kind. Have one for me. I am still pretending to work and am looking forward to getting into trouble on Tuesday as I have not really done any of the things on my list.
hot tub political machine says:

10:45am | 31/12/10

haha, no I don’t have the floating one. might just wedge the 6 pack in between two rocks to keep it from floating away.

I’m surprised you have a list this time of year, I would have thought there are precious few in the office to give you a list.
hot tub political machine says:

10:48am | 31/12/10

oh, I also promise to hold up a beer and say “fair’s fair” in honour of you - which may seem either profound or confusing to anyone who is listening - if anyone ask me what I meant I will say - tis the name of a fine mind.
Tory Shepherd says:

11:45am | 31/12/10

The fire spotters are circling up in the Hills, hot tub… I think a quiet night with some cold drinks far away from town is the only way to get through. This wind’ll be making the Hindley Streeters crazy… crazier…
hot tub political machine says:

03:46pm | 31/12/10

Lets hope there are no stray sparks in the hills this eve then Tory - that’s where my house is too - I’ll be heading south
- Radagast says:
  
  08:42am | 31/12/10
  
  New year (not New Years) is an ancient Gaelic/Celtic festival. All this fireworks stuff from America has nothing to do with it. Like Halloween, New Year is becoming debased, sanitised and commercialised to the point that it makes no sense any more. If you’re looking for a big street party, you are wasting your time. Get together with the people that matter and drink to the past, and the future. Happy Hogmanay.
  
  Reply
- K says:
  
  08:49am | 31/12/10
  
  Am staying at home with the cat. Will watch Table for One on SBS at 8:40 - funny show, have a few drinks then go outside to watc the fireworks.
  
  Reply
- linda says:
  
  08:51am | 31/12/10
  
  3 years out of four, we seem to have a thunder storm pass over right on midnight,
  I have been holding my breath for tonight, as we have a high chance of it happening again.
  my hubby and i sit out on the front porch and watch mother natures fire works and feel content with life.
  at 44 i am not the slightest bit interested in fire works, booze, crouds or idiots thanks very much.
  
  Reply
- Jenny says:
  
  08:52am | 31/12/10
  
  Dinner with friends and then off to the Cahill expressway..
  When you can’t get excited about fireworks, you might as well just give up!
  
  Reply
- Miles says:
  
  08:55am | 31/12/10
  
  Really, it’s just another night out with a countdown in the middle of it. Well except that there are more idiots out and about than usual…
  
  Reply
- Draper says:
  
  08:57am | 31/12/10
  
  I love how people of all age, especially ladies, dress up today and sit around in the domain from 9am in their “races” like dresses and hats just to end up barfing into the sewerage drain around 8pm. Sydney NYE 2009 for me was hell. It was the last time I went to the CBD for NYE and paid $295 for an average meal just to have an exquisite view onto drunks vomiting onto each other and throwing glass bottles at people. And again the fashionable thing to do was wrapping yourself in the Aussie flag and chanting Oi Oi Oi. So this year we’ll stay home and watch the fireworks on the telly and go to bed at 12.30 like old people do
  
  Reply
- we says:
  
  08:59am | 31/12/10
  
  Agreed, welcome to Adult hood.
  
  We are lucky to be located in a rental on Sydney Harbour. A few friends over who have kids, a few snacks and clear view of the fireworks. No parking issues, no drink driving, no crowds or hooligans. Its just a nice get together with mates!
  
  Reply
- ZSRenn says:
  
  09:07am | 31/12/10
  
  My worst was in 1986 at the Irish Club in Mt Isa. Walked in and noticed 22 men to every woman. After 1 beer and the fight or flight mechanism kicking in I ended up watching the Sydney fireworks on the ABC.
  
  My best 2000 underneath the stars at a beach concert in Coffs Harbour with 3 women to every man I at least stood a Chance. The band missed the countdown. Oh well
  
  Reply
redvixen says:

12:42pm | 31/12/10

OMG! It’s been forever since I’ve heard anyone mention the Irish Club in Mt Isa. I don’t even remember the one and only New Year’s Eve I spent in Isa (1991).
JN says:

01:09pm | 31/12/10

Ahh the Mt Isa Irish club. If you can pick up there, you can pick up anywhere. Last time I went through Mt. Isa, I woke up in the lockup with a broken nose and two huge shiners. Fond memories.
- Monty says:
  
  09:15am | 31/12/10
  
  Will be at the in-laws until 00:00:01, celebrating with some of their friends (that I don’t particularly like) then go home and go to sleep.
  
  Ho hum
  
  Reply
- BSwan says:
  
  09:15am | 31/12/10
  
  But any other brand of Vodka in the shower is OK
  
  Reply
- Bex says:
  
  09:28am | 31/12/10
  
  good to see the sour puss nans and pops out in full force on the Punch comments today!
  
  My group of friends and myself have all splintered off and got married and moved away - so we’re making the most of the celebratory nature of NYE and the long weekend and we’re going bush for plenty of catching up and food and drinks! It’s going to be rad.
  
  Reply
Jen says:

09:58am | 31/12/10

I was thinking the same Bex. All the ‘Jolly Rogers’ lol! I am going to enjoy every moment this evening/tonight @ Wooli Hotel (NE NSW). Great band and with people I haven’t seen for a few years. Whoo Hoo!
- Matt says:
  
  09:30am | 31/12/10
  
  I was planning to go and watch the fireworks, but I’m a bit hesitant - I hate crowds, and now there’s the heat! Will wait and see…
  
  Reply
- Phil says:
  
  09:35am | 31/12/10
  
  NYE is so overrated. its all about new years day parties for me in the sun and the pool/beach. i love being in Australia for new years day!!!!!!
  
  Reply
- Tim says:
  
  09:42am | 31/12/10
  
  I’m not in Australia, so i will be buying my own fireworks to run around with. That is what I’m looking forward to, nice and simple… oh, and fried chicken with some good quality Australian beer. Splurge a little!
  
  Reply
- Pommyman says:
  
  09:44am | 31/12/10
  
  Bex, we are all sour as it’s now gone to extremes. Everything must be bigger and better than the last. More drunk, more rowdy, more violent. People’s reaction to that is to say “screw it, I don’t want to be involved”. NYE is a waste of effort, but we still do it only to have done something. Sad huh?
  
  Reply
Bex says:

10:11am | 31/12/10

I’ll agree with that, but make your own fun! It’s not always about who can get drunk the fastest or projectile the furthest, it’s just a fun time and a good excuse for people to be optimistic and have fun
Spanish Girl says:

11:07am | 02/01/11

Sometimes fun is just having a quiet one at home with someone you love. My partner and I were in bed watching the new “V” series on his MacBook. He fell asleep in my arms and at midnight I heard the neighbourhood go off with cheers and pops and cries of happy new year.

I whispered happy new year in my love’s ear. He woke up, kissed me, whispered happy new year back to me and promptly fell back to sleep, snuggling against me. I kept watching “V” with a huge smile on my face until I too fell asleep.

That is a much better way to ring in the new year than crowds, vomitous drunken louts and extreme noise.
- Q says:
  
  09:55am | 31/12/10
  
  Im going to make this my richest, freshest, bitterest NY ever!
  
  Reply
- Betty Burns says:
  
  10:04am | 31/12/10
  
  my fav was a spur of the moment trip to a chinese restaurant at west lakes. lucky we went, because our party of 8 increased the numbers in the restaurant (excluding staff) to 10. we felt good about it as they had a great midnight planned with balloons falling from the ceiling and everything - the staff and all the patrons were going off at midnight popping balloons and being, well, wild! ha. i almost choked on a piece of paper from one of those party poppers but nobody even noticed - that’s how much spontaneous fun was going on.
  
  Reply
- Josh says:
  
  10:06am | 31/12/10
  
  I’m getting out of sydney with a few friends and heading up the coast deep into the bush to our little home away from home. Lots of drinking, big bonfire, plenty of drinking.
  
  I haven’t spent a New Years in Sydney for almost 4 years. So happy about it.
  
  Reply
- julie says:
  
  10:14am | 31/12/10
  
  Snap fairsfair to Escape to the Country and whatever hopefully decent movie will be on ... the novelty of drinking for me wore off long ago and there’s no point self inducing a hangover. So home with my cat Bert, and will fall asleep well before midnight. Perhaps a small reminisce about all the previous crazy drunk NYE I’ve had before me and glad dont have to go through the charade again! Oh and I’ll wake up tomorrow and look to my yard with gladness that Brisbane finally got sunny after all this rain and I’ve already mowed!
  Happy 1.1.11 everyone!
  
  Reply
- Todd says:
  
  10:45am | 31/12/10
  
  Definitely taking the writer’s advice and setting the bar low for tonight! I think it’s the only way to really make a go of NYE, which is more often than not, ruined by ridiculously high expectations, and full of mundane conversation! Give me a microphone and a playlist full of showtunes, Xanadu and Jon Bon Jovi and I’ll be one happy guy. Great post Michael!
  
  Reply
- Mouse says:
  
  11:01am | 31/12/10
  
  I will be waiting expectantly for my hubby to get home, should be around 10 o’clock tonight, he’s been away with work this week. We might go down to the river to watch the fireworks at midnight. I’ll drive, he’s been driving for 11 hours to get home. We might stay home and watch them from there. It doesn’t matter were we are, as long as we are together. This and Christmas day are the only days in all our years together that we have never been apart. We don’t seem to be able to have much luck with birthdays or anniversaries, lol, work has no regard for that! We have had some wild NYE times, we’ve had some quiet non-events. It’s all good! This is the time of the year that I love the best. The kids have grown up and have their own lives now but we still seem to be able to get together for Christmas. New Year’s Eve is the time that hubby and I have when nothing else matters. It’s when we know that we are so lucky to be here and year leading up to now has been worth it. I love it! I hope everyone enjoys their night and is here to tell us all about it tomorrow. Stay safe all and see you next year…....
  
  Reply
Likes Joining Dots says:

04:17pm | 31/12/10

Mouse

a touching post - I hope you and Mr M have a great new years by the river.

cheers
Mouse says:

05:44pm | 31/12/10

You too LJD, have a great one yourself and enjoy it with gusto!
- Dazeddazza says:
  
  11:36am | 31/12/10
  
  In Indonesia, no bans on fireworks, can drive when pissed, lots of young studs and their girls on motorbikes having a great time, beer is a bit expensive, but nonetheless, I will have a great time tonight with my mates, both western and Indo. Happy New Year
  
  Reply
Fox McScrooge says:

01:19pm | 31/12/10

Hear hear Dazza. I’m heading up to Ancol with some western and Indo mates, as well as my smoking hot Indo gf. Much drinking and partying will ensue. I’m quite looking forward to it actually.
- Missing my friends says:
  
  11:37am | 31/12/10
  
  Spent New Years 2009 under a full moon in Afghanistan with my Army mates. Everyone went on watch at midnight and we did a quiet countdown. A few of the soldiers pulled out some IR glo sticks and pretended to be at their own rave. We patrolled the valley at 0600. Best new years ever. On the couch tonight thinking of them, most of whom are back again. Happy new year Australia.
  
  Reply
- Expat says:
  
  11:37am | 31/12/10
  
  We love New Year’s Eve, and since 2000 have made a tradition of enjoying it twice, and always in different locations. This year we’ll be celebrating in Sydney first, and then in Honolulu. Happy New Years !
  
  Reply
- Flutz says:
  
  11:38am | 31/12/10
  
  I have to say NYE is THE most over-rated “event” IMO. I have never ‘celebrated’ it. I mean - what’s to celebrate? No-one has done anything, it’s just the clock/calendar ticking over to another new day, the same as every other night of the year. I will be likely tucked up in bed and sound asleep long before midnight.
  
  Reply
- Stephen says:
  
  11:48am | 31/12/10
  
  To all those exhausted new parents like us, there is no shame on hoping for a 9pm sleep time….
  
  Reply
- vik says:
  
  12:26pm | 31/12/10
  
  I love ney year eve, its the best night of the year. I have given up 2000$ a day public holiday shifts on the weekend so that I can enjoy new year.
  ( it is a big deal ). Will go out on the town tonght , street parties, dance bars and drag shows with friends. Then tommorow Me bf and the dog will go away camping on the beach followed by 8 other friends in a van. Will have fun drinks and laughs
  
  Reply
- Matt says:
  
  12:34pm | 31/12/10
  
  Im in LA, and will spend it in fake snow at Disney Land, yet I still cant escape Sydney. The have the Sydney fire works on TV here too!
  
  Reply
- Ben says:
  
  12:39pm | 31/12/10
  
  Do what the Japanese call Hatsuhinode. Ealry morning of new year’s day go somewhere special like the coast, or climb a mountain or a tall building and watch the first sun rise of the new year. I did this about ten years go when I was in Tokyo and it was brilliant.
  
  Reply
- stephen says:
  
  01:03pm | 31/12/10
  
  New Years Eve is a time when everybody pretends to have a good time.
  Everyone’s thinking about that resolution they’ve just broken, getting too drunk ...‘I’m definitely not going home with him !’, and going back to work on Monday.
  The great pretenders.
  
  Reply
- Jon says:
  
  01:05pm | 31/12/10
  
  Truley, this man knows all, you sir are the god of Newyears, you are my sherpa through this tumultuous time of year!
  
  Reply
- Tracy says:
  
  01:47pm | 31/12/10
  
  @Mouse
  Wow…I was really touched by your obvious love for your husband! Seriously…it was lovely to read your post!!! Have a spectacular night with your lucky husband!!
  
  Reply
Mouse says:

05:50pm | 31/12/10

Thanks Tracy. Yep, 28 years and we still giggle like newly weds! lol Hope your night is full of magic and lovely surprises and I look forward to hearing more of your posts next year. Geez that’s only a few hours away! OMG…where did this year go?? lol
- Love the One You're With says:
  
  03:05pm | 31/12/10
  
  After many many lonely NYEs while married, I have had fun on the last 3 NYEs because I am not married to him anymore. I can still recall the ones where I sat at my computer listening to fireworks and neighbours having parties and kidding myself I didn’t care. That is all changed TG. I have met friends and been to parties for the last two. Tonight I am off to a Vietnamese restaurant in Springvale for a band, buffet and fireworks…I celebrate having a life now. I would be happy sitting on my balcony watching fireworks from the Dandenongs also, as Long as I am with someone who cares for me (and I am thank goodness) There is hope…even at 50! Happy New Year all!
  
  Reply
linda says:

04:56pm | 31/12/10

good for you.i can relate really easily. i too am happily enjoying NYE with a good man i have been with for 6 years. Much nicer than being with the wrong person and feeling as alone as if you were truly alone.
- C1 says:
  
  03:46pm | 31/12/10
  
  The best NYE’s I have had were the ones where I was working in bars. You watch everyone esle get slaughtered and then leave by one to try and get taxis home.
  Give all the female staff a hug and kiss (when you are the only male barman in a team of 30 -happy times).
  uick clean up when the pub shuts and then kick back with a couple of after work drinkies with the staff. Then you head off into town around 3.00 pm with all the other hospitality crowd keen for their time on the sauce. Kick on until 10.00 am. There are never any problems with taxis then.
  
  Reply
- Fi says:
  
  10:36pm | 31/12/10
  
  I’m spending NYE with my boyfriend on the couch watching Bones. Maybe heading out on the street at midnight to see the fireworks. Maybe.
  
  Reply
- Count Reggie of Upper Gumtree. says:
  
  12:06pm | 01/01/11
  
  I came in to find out what was wrong with New York. What a disappointment!
  
  Reply
Reg says:

04:04pm | 01/01/11

HAPPY NEW YEAR in Seattle and the West Coast. .......
- Pavlo says:
  
  10:13am | 02/01/11
  
  I have had enough of fireworks displays on NYE. Year after year after year, ad infinitum – stupid firework displays. Can’t we think of a better way to celebrate other than blowing up stuff so that we can inanely mumble ‘oohh’ and ‘ahh’ at expensive, noisy, toxic chemical balls flung into the night sky?
  Happy New Year.
  
  Reply
- LightPainter says:
  
  09:15am | 04/01/11
  
  What an absolutely brilliant illustration! Sturt Krygsman, your a star.
  
  Reply
- Zopo says:
  
  03:31pm | 04/01/11
  
  Like I have said in other posts, next year I will be home or on an island resort somewhere. Its just not worth paying $10 a drink, waiting half an hour for that drink then having to battle home.
  
  Surely if Clover can organise bus lanes in the CBD she could surely organise a way for people to get home. We wonder why there are drunken fights trying to get home…
  
  Reply
- timohha says:
  
  08:44am | 08/03/11
  
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  ?? ???? ????? ????? ??????? <a >???????</a> ??????????? ??????? ? ??????? ????????!!!
  
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  Reply

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