When i rung in the new year of 2007 all by my lonesome self, with 2nd degree burns covering 70 percent of my body from a particularly unsuccessful tanning session several days prior. I remember being in an awkward position on the couch 'cause every movement was accompanied by excruciating pain. Well, at least then I had a perfectly excusable reason to be home alone.

This year, 2009, I am healthy, can move totally unencumbered and would love nothing more than to celebrate the first second of the new year of 2010 with people.

Someone, anyone.

Alas, it was not meant to be. Everyone had made plans with friends and family and loved ones. And why wouldn't they?

So it's just me this year.

The question is, is it really as terrible to spend NYE by oneself as it is hyped up to be? Is it not just another day, another night in snuggled among blankets flipping channels and having a hot cuppa? What is it about new year's eve that causes people's eyes to glaze over and want fervently to be surrounded by people?

I figured it all boils down to fear. A misguided notion that how and with whom you spend NYE is reflective of the year to past and of that to come. It's the fear that if you spent new year's eve alone, means you were sad and lonely this year, and will continue to be sad and lonely in the next. And who truly wants that right?

BOLLOCKS. It's just an entire bucketful of hogwash, and then some. (Yes, I have been watching way too many british comedies for comfort)

The year past was what you made it to be and the year creeping towards us this very instant is what you WILL it to be. How is it possible that the way you spend one seemingly innocuous day is indicative of all of that combined? Doesn't that negate all the hard work, effort, hopes, dreams, ambitions, slogfests and everything in between?

I think what I'm trying to ask is, what is new year's eve and why do we put so much emphasis on it?

This year, it is just going to be a regular thursday. Where I do my laundry (DID my laundry actually, I just heard the indicator go off), watch Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (a movie I wanted to catch but didn't get around to), get a few items from the grocery store (including a box of Swiss Miss Hot Choc with MARSHMELLOWS), hole up in my cozy living room and channel surf till i fall asleep on the couch.

I might even miss the countdown. And you know what, it wouldn't be so bad.

Happy New Year in advance earth people. See you on the other side of 2010 in a bit.