The Last Day of the Year

It is New Year’s Eve, one of my favorite days of the year. This night has been magical for me since childhood. Ushering in the new and replacing the old – 2006 will only be memories and never to be repeated. The New Year has so much opportunity.

I always watched Dick Clark on New Year’s Eve. In 1986, I braved the elements and made my way down to 45th street with 15 other college friends. You could see Dick Clark up on his platform and the police were mounted on their horses. The ball was hanging on the top of the pole by what looked like a “thread.”

10…9…8…7…6..5..4..3..2..1……

The dropping of the ball was underwhelming. It was a bumpy ride down and you really couldn’t tell when it was at the bottom. The 1987 lights lit up and the crowd roared. It was cold and rainy and miserable. The crowds were unbearable. I kept feeling hands on my wallet. The pick pocketers were out in full force.

I was born in New York; my whole family lived there for years. I was no more a New Yorker than the tourist next to me. However, I was standing there with thousands of people experiencing Times Square on the last day of the year.

I admire Dick Clark continuing with his tradition, even after his stroke. If you want to watch him, he will be on ABC tonight.

Happy New Year!