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January 01, 2007
2006 New Year
I'm not really one to celebrate the new year. Each day is a celebration. In the past, we have spent virtually every New Year's Eve with our great friends, Jim & Luc. It usually involves a gourmet feast, far too much vino, and occassionally, when the grow-op supply warrants (Vancouver), a little herbal tea. Followed by excessive giggling. This year, with the chaos of closing on the condo and moving, it just wasn't meant to be.
Last year (2005) we were in George Town in the Bahamas, anchored neatly off Stocking Island across from the tiny village. We fell asleep at about 11.
The year before (2004) we were in Paris with Jim & Luc, on our way to fetch Platina. We went to the famous La Coupole for dinner, and returned to the flat we had rented to play eucre. Someone had to nudge someone else to say happy new year. I think it was 12:20.
Last night, Chis and I went to yoga, then watched 16 Blocks on bluray DVD, then went for a late dinner at our favourite restaurant, Il Corso. We left there around 11 and tried to make our way across 55th Street to Broadway to get a photo down toward Times Square. Not a chance. The police told us to go up to 59th Street, then across. We got about half way across 59th Street toward Broadway, and the crowds stopped moving. Time for Plan B.
Our Saturday yoga leader, Chrystine, told us that if you stand on the rocky knoll just west of Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, you can see the ball drop. Too, the fireworks in the park for the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run (a 4-mile fun run that we decided not to do) were the best in the city. We decided to hoof it up through the park to the bandshell, where they had great music and dancing. All the runners were decked out in sequins and costumes. A really fun night.
It's a great time for reflection, and our great friend DP said not so long ago that Chis and I have been on a whirlwind for quite some time. It really began in 1999.
November 1999 Sold the house in Toronto and moved to Vancouver. We drove out there with the dogs?
September 2001 Sold the house in Vancouver and moved to the Schoolhouse north of Toronto full-time. We flew back. (The vet gave us a prescription for sedatives for the dogs. When I asked why the bottle had six pills, but only to give each of the dogs one each before the flight, he said the rest were for me.)
2001-2004 Massive renovation of the Schoolhouse. Started my private corporate finance practice.
May 2004 Bought Platina in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Told nobody.
September 2004 Sold the Schoolhouse. "We're moving to the city to downsize".
December 2004 Left Canada for London, Paris and La Rochelle, France to pick up the boat.
February 2005 - April 2006 Sailed over 10,500 nautical miles, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and visited 16 countries.
April 2006 Sold Platina to David & Marian Paul (who will return to the boat in Lisbon after the holidays). Moved to New York.
Wednesday Move into our New York condo.
I have no regrets, and I wouldn't do anything differently than we've done. We are blessed with an ability to embrace radical change, and the strength to face our struggles head-on. For this, I am greatful. I am also greatful for having the best shadow and life partner I could ever have expected to find. He is my life.
While modestly cliche, yet appropriate, we wish everyone the best for the new year! This is going to be great!
Posted by dave at January 1, 2007 09:59 AM