Finally finished the work that threatened to completely disrupt my tranquility on new year’s eve. After all these years, you would think I’d have learned not to underestimate the amount of time that it will take to put a programming task together. Clearly, I’ve learned nothing.
This year was begun with kel and I standing in a part of town that is more familiar to me for its Rocks Markets and Coffee Festivals. Lots of people, lots of empty cans and plastic cups, and a good view of at least part of the fireworks. The main difference between being in the city and watching the fireworks on TV was the sounds, and the smell of all the smoke.
Ended last year at the lowenbrau in a separate room to the people who turned up on the night. Excellent food (richer than what I’m used to, which caused me a few delays in finishing the main and dessert), and beers in litre jugs. Our table had the female winner of the beer-drinking contest; the male winner was also a friend of mine, although not on our table. Sydney can be a very small place sometimes.
One thing that resounded with me throughout the night as my melancholy (from not finishing up the work) faded, and was replaced with a sense of "all is well with the world" was the misplaced focus of new year’s eve celebrations. With all the time I’ve spent lately reading the psalms – with their description of celebrations – i felt like God was a bit – and undeservingly – absent from the proceedings. This December 31 I’m going to pause, and give thanks to God: without Him, there wouldn’t be any years at all.