Since it is already January 11, 2006 I am compelled to summarize my New Year's Eve activities before they become too dated. Overall I don't need to have a calendar to tell me when it is a new year since I am reminded every year by the huge influx of new/returning members to every health club I have ever belong to over the years. The year 2006 is no exception in fact I am reminded of being at the gym just after New Year's Eve. I was warming up on one of the bikes and noticed a VERY large example of steroid use and protein power overdose ( a man) riding the bicycle next to me reading his copy of People magazine -- now that is not a site I see everyday :)
Historically I have not been a big celebrant of New Year's Eve activities but this year was very active for me and my girlfriend with five (5) different events on our social calendar:
1.) BoDeans -- we enjoyed seeing this very fun rock/house band that we both like. The BoDeans are out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and were playing at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis. The BoDeans have a core group of fans and every time I hear them I am reminded of how much I loved the 80's and university/fraternity life!! Advice -- if you have a stressful day at work go buy a BoDeans CD or dowload a song to your Ipod.
2.) Buca -- for New Year's Eve we had dinner at this great Italian restaurant in St. Paul with a group of my girlfriend's friends. Our group had the kitchen/chef's table so the staff stopped by to talk with us throughout the evening.
3.) Sports Tournament -- following dinner our group met with another group of friends at their home near White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The format for the evening was the creation of boy/girl teams created by lottery to compete for a trophy based on the tournament of -- foosball, darts, and ping pong. As the only non-drinker in the room I clearly should have been the score keeper since somehow my team ended up in 3rd place. For 2007 I plan to train for this event to win at all costs!!!!!!!! :)
4.) Brunch -- then on New Year's Day we had brunch at "Chez Girlfriend" with family and friends to celebrate the birthday of my girlfriend's mother. Overall a very fun crowd with several young, active children which added a nice energy to the room. While it was not an official restaurant I would have to rate the meal with a "5" of course especially since I did not cook any of it :)
5.) Lobster -- as a conclusion to the New Year's weekend we attended a "lobster boil" hosted by our French-Canadien neighbors. While I did not need it I did eat two lobsters but more importantly I had some escargot for the first time. I will have to admit it was much better than I would have ever guessed so go try something new this week to get your year started on a fresh note!!
Given the friends, family, activities, and the girlfriend I have 2006 has great potential for me personally. I wish you good health and great opportunities for the year.
Enjoy everyday not just new year's,
Todd
Concur with the props for Buca di Beppo. Our tradition of eating there on x-mas eve was thwarted this year when we found that the Buca in Des Moines closed in October of this year. ):
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