NYE 2010. Taken January 1st, 2009
We’re less than 10 days away from the year 2010. That’s something pretty odd to say out loud. I remember being at my grandmother’s house as the ball dropped into 1999. We were watching MTV as Carson Daily’s “ball dropped” because, back then, MTV was actually a good place to catch news, watch some good content and see music videos. In 1999 I was only 13 and I was already dreaming of being in Times Square as an adult and how awesome that would be. Every New Years since 1999 was a blur. Looking back, they all kind of rolled into one.
New Years Misogi. Taken December 30th, 2007
Two memorable New Years celebrations were in 2004 and 2008. It was 2003 and I was 2 weeks away from my first Macworld in San Francisco. I was out with a girl who had asked me to be my girlfriend but I was still on that “no girls” kick. We were seniors in high school and our 2003 to 2004 transition was spent out on the beach on a blanket as we watched the ball drop on someone’s big screen TV that we could see looking into their beach house from 30 yards away on the sand dunes. That was a fun evening and I still have photos from that night that are simply too embarrassing to share.
New Years Eve Celebration. Pearl's Jacksonville January 1st, 2008
The transition from 2007 to 2008 was excellent as well. Laura and I were at Pearl’s in Jacksonville which, to this day, is still my favorite club / bar to go to. We danced to postal service and kissed as the ball dropped surrounded by friends and very cheap beer. That was an incredible evening because my first New Years with Laura was very low key. This was our first, “let’s go out and party” kind of evening and I had an awesome time.
Last year was my first New years in San Francisco. It was memorable but didn’t go exactly as planned. The past year has been a complete whirlwind. So much has changed, yet so much has remained the same. I’ve lost a few things and gained so much more. There isn’t a single thing I’d change about 2009.
December 31st, 2008. At a Warehouse in San Francisco for a "burning man" style NYE celebration.
I find it odd that so many people say to me on New Years Eve about how much last year sucked and how next year will be better. That has never ever made sense to me. Oh and congrats cause your first day of the new year, you’ll be waking up with a hangover. Congrats! That’s not really the point though, it’s just something that’s always bothered me. I’ve never met someone who has told me that last year was awesome and this year will be awesome too. Why not? I’m pretty sure I can find someone who had a worse year than I did. Anyway, let’s move on.
Let’s talk 2010. Since 2009 was so freaking epic, how could I possibly top it? Ya know, that’s not really important. I’m just taking things one day at a time and squeezing every bit of awesome-ness that I can every single day. It’s been working pretty well so far. Let’s talk resolutions.
- I will save $10,000 this year. I want to save up a nest egg and this lofty goal is unattainable but I set high goals for myself and then it pushes me to try harder. I’m making more money than I did when I moved here. Still not enough to pay my rent but I think 5 grand is achievable, 10 grand is a pipe dream. Either way, I have zero savings now so the sky’s the limit and I can only go up.
- Climb a Mountain. You may have not heard about it yet but I’m going to do it. http://adamandjustinclimbshasta.com/
- Cut out red meat and beer COMPLETELY. I eat too much red meat and I drink too much beer. This needs to stop.
- Become better at my job. I don’t want a new job nor do I want a higher paying job. I want to become better at my job and impress myself every day.
- Sell my book. The book is done. I need to sell it. ’nuff said.
The resolutions aren’t big and most of these are already in motion. I don’t feel that dates should be set on things. Just start doing them and see where they go. These are some goals I have for this year. Let’s see how it goes.
2004. Camping in Florida on Spring Break.
So what are my plans for New Years Eve this year? Well, when I lived back in Florida, I never went to spring break like normal kids did. Kids would go to Mexico or Daytona and party. Not me. I’d pack up my car and go out into the woods for a week by myself. I’d reflect, relax, read, study and cook over a fire. It was my time to relax and get away. I haven’t done this since moving to San Francisco and I’m getting a bit restless to get back out there and take some time to myself.
Mount Diablo. Taken by me in 2008.
Therefore, on Thursday, December 31st I’ll be driving to Mount Diablo. The elevation is nearly 4,000 feet which is another great elevation for my training and it’s going to be super quiet on New Years Eve because there’s no alcohol permitted in the park. I looked at New Years Eve parties all of them range from $50 to $200 just for tickets. For $30 and a rental car, I can drive up and take photos during the day and camp out at night. The lights of San Francisco are visible from the top of the mountain and I will hear nothing but silence and the occasional raccoon who’s looking for a meal.
Mount Diablo. Taken by me in 2008.
I find it funny that everyone thinks I’m insane but I couldn’t be more excited about this quick getaway. Living downtown is crazy so if I decided to stay in on New Years Eve, I’d have to deal with the most insane noise as partiers roam the city. Going out means alcohol, expensive tickets and doing irresponsible things. Here’s the view from Mount Diablo.
Mount Diablo w/ Fog
I’m going to start 2010 the right way and it’ll be simply amazing. Friends of mine are welcome to join me but it’s going to be a quiet and relaxing evening w/ an open fire.
I look forward to a new year with new experiences and new loves. I hope I get to meet YOU in 2010 and I hope this blog continues to keep you occupied. Thank you for reading. Have a great day!
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, keys, wallet, and 
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