An inspiring start to 2009. Thank you Jim James.

Hello friends, I've decided to blog again.

So the idea is that I've become too cranky in my old(er) age - and New York can be a place full of complaining even though it's the greatest city in the world. So I want this blog to be a celebration of things that make me happy, inspire me or are just cool things that deserve more attention. The idea is partially inspired by Carrie, whose new motto is "positivity in '09." Oprah would be proud.

Because of said crankiness I almost didn't go to see My Morning Jacket ring in the New Year at Madison Square Garden -- I was thinking of all the excuses not to go -- it would be too jammy, too big a crowd, too much money. Boy was I wrong, it was a fantastic, inspiring show and a great way to start the new year.

So I'll kick off this new blog with a list of 10 things great about last night:

• A fun pre-show drink at Me Bar (La Quinta Inn hidden rooftop bar) and some funny college kids in the elevator
• The guy in the pink buttondown constantly dancing up and down the aisles
• MMJ and Nicole Atkins covering "Islands In The Stream"
• Grellan crossing the stadium to come over for a visit
• A friendly, fun crowd - especially the guy in front of us rocking the Daniel Plainview look
• White balloons, confetti, and Jim James boogeying through "Celebration" and "Get Down On It" -- I can't think of a better way to welcome in 2009
• lots of beautiful white balloons bouncing around in the crowd
• getting a cab in about 3 minutes despite the freezing cold and it being just after midnight
• Gallons of champagne, free pizza, and good friends, at a West Village penthouse after the show
  

(Here's some pics on Facebook.)
Stay tuned for more things I like in 2009!
Wendy