New Years Eve

New Years Eve certainly wasn't as depressing as I thought it would be...in fact, I think I almost have better memories of this past celebration, than the year before, which I shared with my boyfriend. Last year's celebration was filled with foreboding of the upcoming deployment, while this year's celebration signaled the end of a year, which despite my greatest efforts to the contrary, still will be to some extent defined as "the year my boyfriend was deployed to Afghanistan."

All the accomplishments of the past year, no matter how great or fulfilling they were, will be slightly overshadowed. When my boyfriend deployed, I vowed not to let this year be defined by his absence, but nevertheless, his absence has left this gaping hole.

This New Years Eve, I enjoyed the company of my family, especially my nieces, and many family friends. We drank, we danced, we talked until our eyelids started drooping...and yesterday we were all paying the price for it. And I felt a sudden giddiness as midnight passed. Another milestone in this deployment had been reached. Another tangible marker in time.

In my best Martha Stewart impression, I made the desserts.

My mother and father ringing in the new year.

Me with my favorite niece (aunties are allowed to have favorites).

All the little girls getting their groove on.

Shortly later: passed out on the livingroom couch.

Hope your new years celebration was memorable too!