29 Going on 79

New Year's Eve can be so annoying. It's one of those holidays where you're forced to have plans or feel bad if you don't. In the past I've actually lied about having plans on New Years, even if I didn't - just so I didn't look like a loser. As I get older I try to always make sure I have plans - albeit begrudgingly. That is until this year. Christie set up a sweet deal at a state park about an hour and a half south of Columbus. Ten of us would be staying in a cozy little cabin for about $30 per person for two nights and we each had a bed. Samadu and I immediately agreed to join, enticed by the prospect of a cozy cabin and a brisk winter hike in the woods. RJ agreed to join, enticed by the prospect of a hot tub and a well-stocked bar.

In our circle of friends, Christie is known as Peter Pan - she's perpetually partying but holds down a steady job at which she's really, really good. She works a second job at Barnes (which is where we became friends) and she's always game for a good time. Who knew that her real calling in life is to prepare for road trips, camping and weekends in a rustic cabin?? She thought of everything and made sure we all knew to bring food, drinks and bathing suits for the pool and the whirlpool. She brought a crockpot for me to use to make chili, she made a big hot breakfast for everyone on New Year's Day and even remembered to bring hand soap so that we wouldn't have to use the tiny bars of soap in our bathroom.

We arrived at the cabin around 3:30 on New Year's Eve and after we unpacked the cars (and nearly unpacked our stomachs after a crazy backwoods drive through winding hills) we settled in to celebrate. By 7:00, RJ and I were in serious need of a nap, so we each hopped in a bunk and snoozed until 8:00. Once we woke up an hour later we decided to hit the trail for the lodge, intending to check out the pool, whirlpool, bar and ping pong table. Imagine our surprise when Christie noticed that the pool and the "whirlpool" were at opposite ends of the building. So much for RJ's reason to join...

We settled instead on the bar and agreed to play ping pong after sampling the selections at the local watering hole. Martin's ongoing illness prompted him to order a hot toddy - which the femme-mulleted bartended did not know how to make. As Martin shared the recipe with her she busied herself behind the bar popping corn in the microwave and tending to the other patrons. Hot water from the tap, a shot of whiskey, two sugar packets and a wedge of lemon and he was ready to go.

After we finished in the bar we headed to the ping pong table that was adjacent to the lovely "puzzle pit" in front of the fireplace. Instead of an actual ping pong table it was a country-style dining room table with turned legs and a net bolted to the middle. Not quite ready for tournament play, but sufficient enough for a few volleys. Much to my dismay it was being used by two little girls and their mother. We lingered a bit in case the two girls decided to give it up and let some real pings get ponged, but they painfully wore on and we headed back to the cabin, tired of waiting.

When we arrived back at the cabin we decided to play some board games. A few rounds of Balderdash frustrated most of the crowd and we ended the game in time to watch the ball drop. Christie of course remembered party favors, hats and noise makers for everyone, so our celebration was appropriate. After the revelry died down we decided to try another party game called "Oh for F**k's Sake." When we all asked incredulously if that was the real name and saw it printed on the box, that of course was our shocked response.

RJ, Samadu and I were unable to stay the second night since I had to work at Barnes on New Year's Day. We all woke up earlier than we hoped and took a morning walk down to the lake. After we returned Christie made an awesome breakfast and then we hit the road back to Columbus. Despite the whirlpool/whippoorwill confusion, a good time was had by all and I started to shrug off some of my New Year's Eve cynicism.

Before the real festivities begin

RJ, Me and Samadu celebration 2009

Samadu and the tall guy love their new toys

Christie's about done for the night...

Samadu had a bed - not sure why he didn't use it!

The whole rowdy group