Happy 2009! To your left, the fiberglass Peep lowered outside the public library. (Bethlehem, PA – home of the Peep factory). I’ve been to the Peep drop event for the past six years now, and this year, I must say, it was a Most Awkward dropping.

If you look at the lower-right hand corner, you’ll find (albeit, darkly) the top of a make-shift stage on which the Sarah Ayers Band til a few seconds before midnight. The Peep had to go from its current position to ‘round about the top of said stage. A matter of , conservatively, 7 feet.

With only seconds remaining in of 2008, the Peep moved a mere half a foot, then, a giant swoosh of movement and presumably it landed safely.

I wouldn’t know. I was busy sending a text message.

Nonetheless, 2009 was ushered in with classic style and another satisfying firework finale off the tow path by the river.

I’m not much on New Year’s resolutions—they hardly ever work for me, so I think it was about six years ago when I firmly resolved not to make any (a good strategy, come to find out)—so I’ll spare you any resolute pontification that most likely won’t turn out.

But 2008 was certainly the Year of the Unexpected, in many ways.  And it was truly wonderful.  So, here’s to not knowing what 2009 has in store, but being more than willing to enjoy the ride.