Although I’ve been a resident in New England for 20 years, it had never come to pass that I would spend the new year celebrating in New York City.  This year, I finally checked that off my bucket list. (The video above is not mine, but works for the purposes of the illustration.)

As has been the case for a number of events I’ve attended in the city, I’m routinely impressed with the organization and order the police keep on events like this.  I was able to follow the directions provided and get around very easily, which surprised me; I was steeling up for battle.  And it cleared out quite quickly after it was all over – 30 minutes or so and it was pretty empty out there.

After the new year was rung in there were fireworks going off in Central Park, which I vaguely recalled someone mentioning but I had forgotten about – that was equally fun. It was topped off by a beautiful hotel room that I lucked out on while checking on my previous reservation; I was able to get a hotel room within walking distance of Times Square, so it worked out quite nicely.

It was fun celebrating the new year with friends, as well as a few people I met, and others I hadn’t seen for awhile. I’m not much of a resolution person, but I am aiming to get out a bit more in 2014, spending time with friends and family, and try to ensure that work/life balance stays in a good place. At the same time I’d like to make sure I get out and see some cool things; I’ve been a bit insular and stuck to a relatively same-y game plan the past few years, and it is perhaps time to shake things up a bit and do some new things.

I hope everyone had a safe and healthy new year, and stay safe during the snowstorm coming up!