Why does NYE have to suck?

New Year’s Eve is such a letdown. Every year it’s always up in the air until the last minute and no matter what you decide to do it always seems anticlimactic. So as awful as it is for the rest of the world, it’s even worse for me because it just so happens to be my birthday.  I guess NYE is better than New Year’s Day, because at least are actually out on my birthday and everyone gets the day after off.

One of the main reasons NYE always seems to suck is because we never have enough money to be willing to just drop a couple hundo on the package we really want. Plus, no one wants to spend like 95 dollars to go to a bar in Wrigleyville that we can go to for free any other night of the year, and we want to be able to actually sit down. Those sparkly heels are in no way comfortable! I think it all might come down to the fact that fear of commitment is a part of human nature. We just can’t commit to one package for fear of being trapped at one bar with a bunch of ugly fratastic bros that think they’re so much better than they are and NOBODY wants to waste an amazing NYE dress on those guys.

Then there is the whole issue of the midnight kiss, like we need any more pressure. It’s super awkward to have that hanging over your head all night. If you are bold enough to try talking to a cute stranger, they instantly expect you want to kiss them at midnight… which might be the case but usually you don’t want everyone to know what you’re thinking.

Sorry for bringing the mood down, but try to have fun this NYE with all your girl friends and don’t put too much pressure on the midnight makeout sesh. To be completely honest, whoever the lucky guy is, you’ll probably never see him again. You’re young, you’re fun, you look amazing and you don’t have to stick to a strict agenda! The more spontaneous you are, the more fun it’ll be.

Crazed thanksgiving thoughts from a girl on too much cough syrup

Thanksgiving has always been my second or maybe third favorite holiday, probably because it trails behind Christmas in awesomeness due to the lack of presents and I am kind of partial to the Fourth of July. The perks of this fall holiday are eating way more than normal and not being judged by your mom, being able to dress cute in fall clothing while doing so (even if you have to unzip your skirt like I did) and spending time with family you don’t always get the chance to see.

This thanksgiving flew by for me and I can honestly say I’m thankful it’s finally over. Sure the family time was nice and the eating was even better, but the real thrill of thanksgiving is always Black Wednesday and this year I wasn’t feeling it. If you’re hometown is anything like mine, you’ll be able to relate.

After spending a long time trying to decide what you should wear and whether it’s too dressy for home or if you look like you’re trying too hard, you step into a bar. You’ve been there a million times and you’ve grown to hate it but you’re forced to go because it’s the place everyone will be. You’re instantly surrounded by familiar faces, their older siblings and friends, their younger siblings and friends and sometimes even their parents. It’s awkward at first, seeing all the people you know and know of from high school. A few drinks in and it gets significantly easier. By the end of the night, you’re best friends with the girl you hated or you hate her even more, it’s a case by case scenario.

The night ends and you stumble to the nearest diner and have awkward run-ins with old flames and try not to look like you’re stuffing your face. When you get home, you’re happy you got to catch up with old friends and acquaintances and that you got to see that so-and-so gained so much weight, but you’re really glad it’s over with and you’re completely exhausted from trying to be so cordial. If you’re like me, you make it a point not to go out again all weekend and you hide out at your parent’s house on the couch.

In past years, I was a really big fan of Black Wednesday. I loved being able to see a million people and bask in the PMA (positive male attention), but for some reason this year I was over it before it even began. I guess it doesn’t help that I got sick on Black Friday and was forced against my will to maintain my promise to stay in, but being back in the city feels amazing. I'm hating myself for all the carbs and calories I indulged in, I'm still sick and being at work is by no means fun, but it’s nice to have a routine again. Needless to say, in less than a week I know I’ll be craving another break and I’ll be thankful that Christmas is less than a month away.