"Here comes the jackpot question in advance...

...What are you doing New Year's Eve?"

Ahh yes, it's about that time when the words to that oldie (Frank Sinatra & the Carpenters all have versions) induce anxiety for the lonely, the shy, and the planning-impaired just to name a few. Here is yet another example of the-holiday-out-of-control (others include but are not limited to: Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine's Day).

There seems to be so much undue pressure surrounding NYE w/ all the buzzing questions: stay in, go to a party, or go out (for suburbanites like me, this last part warrants the boldface)? If you go out, where should you go that will fit your style and your budget? (most clubs/hotels have open bar and food packages of around $100...will you really be able to drink that much to make up for that?!?!) What will you wear? Who will you kiss at midnight? Phew, at least I can check that last one off.

Sure, it's the beginning of a new year, but is it really worth it to build the night up so much that anything short of the *perfect* New Year's Eve plans spent with the right people, in the right place threatens of imminent Lamedom? Wouldn't it be nice if we treated NYE just like any other weekend night...but we could just be happier the next day b/c we get to change our desk/wall calendars?

Sigh. Feel free to drop me a tip on fun, cheap (like under $50) NYE plans in Chicago. Oh, and Happy New Year! :)