Rocking in the New Year, or "Ready the manual, dude!"

In the last hours of 2008, my roommate and I braved the fearsome cold and drove to Pax Industria's condo (or bunker, as I like to think of it.  It's a imposing brick building).  Our friends were dressed in a dizzying array of styles, the common theme that drew everything together were the masks we wore.  I noticed with amusement that the cups were much smaller this time around, perhaps to discourage the bachanalian fury that was Halloween.  Pax is an excellent host, and Kirsten and Diana were very fetching as well as co-hostesses.  While stashing my coat, I saw a large mural on the wall.  On it were all the things that people wanted to leave behind in 2008.  Common themes were "debt" "low self image" "my ex".  I thought good and hard, picked up a marker, and made my addition. 
The party swirled on, and I'm very pleased to say there were no unexpected system crashes.  There were hugs, and kisses, and ringing in a new year  I learned that my PS3 controller was indeed wireless.  Time seems to compress and strech, and eventually the house became emptier.  Sara and I made our way home finally, but not to sleep.  Instead we played Rock Band until about five in the morning. 
Monday was bright and sunny, and I managed to dodge any kind of hangover.  I got a lot of painting done, and just chilled out, happily, by myself. 
Today my car is at the mechanics, getting new axles.  It cost a fair bit, but I'll have it paid off in a week.  Good thing I have Rock Band to keep me busy for a while!  Eventually, I will need another guitar and USB hub.  For now, I'm ready to rock.  In so many ways.