The top story on CNN right now begins, “The start of a new year can be stressful. The parties… But never fear. Smartphone apps will hold your hand through the whole confetti-splashed ordeal, from midnight Friday through those 2011 resolutions.”
Yeah. Thanks but no thanks. My smartphone will be OFF this New Year’s Eve when we’re out with friends. (Well, I say “out with friends” like we’re partyhopping, but what I mean is “over at a friend’s house sipping cranberry ginger ales and helping all our kids build the lego sets they got for Christmas.”) We’re going to savor every moment with family and friends, and look them in the eye — not at the tops of their heads while we alternate texting.
And then, after the kiddos are tucked warm in their beds, I probably will take to twitter to wish my friends-inside-the-computer a wonderful time and a wonderful year, and then snuggle up with my sweetie to watch a DVD and talk about our plans for the year.
Without our iPhones.
Do I want smartphone apps to hold my hand through the whole confetti-splashed ordeal? Nope, not me. I want my sweetie to hold my hand. How about you?
…
Edit: If you’re out partying tonight and find yourself without a designated driver, the cab4me (free) app will help you call a cab quickly and easily. USE IT if you need it. Or use it now and write down the phone numbers, so you can easily call if you’re out late partying and everyone has been drinking. Please? Please. Life is too precious to take chances on whether you’re “good enough” to drive home.
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Toddler Planet 
Amen, sister! And a VERY HAPPY new year wish to you – for good health and happiness!
Happy New Year to you too, Lynn!
Sure, I would like a man to be holding my hand this NYE – but I’m going to be alone (well, my daugthers will be here, but they’ll be in bed by 10 pm at the latest) so my laptop WILL be my “partner” tonight (don’t own anything even remotely resembling a smartphone). I guess you use what you’ve got.
And my wish for 2011? First, that it be less crappy than 2010 (shouldn’t be hard) and second, that yes, I find this elusive man to hold my hand, sit on the sofa with me, share a bottle of wine, watch a DVD, go out with, and make me feel special…
I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, safe 2011!
PS We (by which I mean my 6-year-old daughter) received a ton of Lego this Christmas, too and have been working our way through putting it together (mainly her older sister, to be honest). Love, love, love Lego!
Hmmm. Well, my point was actually “use what you’ve got.” It’s not about the man, in my opinion (although I do love mine; I know I’m lucky). It’s about loving who you have in your life, and being present.
I join you in wishing for a MUCH less crappy 2011. For all of us!
Bingo, Susan. I know someone who has problems scattered so deeply and widely in her life she seems unable to deal with them in any way other than keep busier herself and busier, creating more complications and crapola to deal with! You, my wise friend, know what’s important and how to make memories that don’t get washed away the next day. Praying for all beautiful memories for you as we walk mindfully into 2011.
That is so beautiful. Thank you!
And Happy New Year to you and yours!
Hi Susan!
I know you wont read this until January 1, so HAPPY NEW YEAR! I was inspired by your last post to post a gratitude letter myself. It’s to you! Please come take a peek and know what an impact you have made in my life, and how grateful I am.
Wishing you and your beautiful family health and many blessings in the coming year!
Elizabeth
Happy New Year!
No, no. We don’t even have smart phones. We have cheap pay as you goes that don’t even have photo capabilities. LOL No…sometimes you need to put the phones down.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. May you have the best year this year!
HUGS
No Smart phone apps for me! Surrounded by loved ones, and I plan on loving on them! Happy New Year, Susan.