2003
And I think I only had one wanker say "See ya next year" which just might be the best sign of a good year to come yet.

Last night was one of the most fun New Years I can remember. And not for the usual reasons, in fact, we barely made it out of the house before midnight. Maybe ten minutes to spare before we headed out front to ring in the new year with pals above the beach. Paula and I spent most of the night hanging out together, fearing the coming seperation and cramming in as much together time as possible.

Instead we sat together, drinking some superb Steele '98 Goodchild Chardonnay wine I'd just bought from a friend (which is another story in and of itself) which was further enhanced by a slight extra chilling. People were coming and going downstairs visiting our new housemate and getting into the house some. My pals were around and a few stopped by to check in and say the requisite "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" at full volume.

I do love that about today and the whole New Year's time, you can say Happy New Year to anyone on the street and expect a response. Kind of cool!

Anyway, I installed this crazy cool surround sound DVD/CD changer/reciever dealie that Paula's parents gave to her a few months ago as a thank you for DJ'ing her brother's California wedding reception. Its cool! and rips loud! Hehehe.

Basically we enjoyed each other's company almost up until midnight when we finally made it out of the house (why rush when all you want is right there in front of you?) and out front with the crew. And then it was off to the Yacht Club, Brady's, which is far more dive bar than yacht club, to see who was about. Short stop there and we rolled down to the 529, which is co-owned by a couple of pals. A much more hopping and lively spot, enhanced by a bouncer who bore more than a passing (pun grenade) to Marshall Faulk of the St. Louis Rams. Kind of cool.

Anyway, a drink or two there with all the silly shouting and yelling, the ubiquitious angry drunk chick or guy storming around trying to start a fight, the slimeball guys who try to glom onto your girl even though she's most obviously already with you. And Paula, to her credit, is very good at deflecting assholes trying to get into her. She's got a little tongue on her and can un-man a fool with the best of them. And I love her all the more for it because she does it with the sweetest smile that its hard for the idiot to feel too bad. But that's why I'm there anyway, I use my body as a shield and keep her as safe as I can from them but one or two get through and she uses her nice clean kill shot to send them away.

More to come shortly as I'm heading out the door to say goodbye to my love for a couple of days. I'm heading south to San Diego this weekend to see her and see the town as we're still undecided on where we're going to settle down. And its just plain rude to assume she'll move up here, especially given that I've never been there before and might absolutely love it beyond all reason.

Pics will be available in a little bit as well.
It has been the best New Year's Day that I can ever remember!