Happy New Year!

2011 brings a long awaited fresh start. I’m cautiously optimistic that the year will be better than 2010. Don’t misunderstand, I did have lots of great moments last year — Maui, Israel, Plaza Suite, Leaving Iowa, Tour de Cure — to name just a few. However, most were overshadowed by other, less positive events and my father’s stroke in March.

I realize that life is a series of ups and downs. No one is immune from problems, and overall I have lived a blessed life. I really shouldn’t complain or indulge in self pity, but 2010 was rough. I’m praying for change, for improvement, for freedom. After all, I think most people are hoping for a new year filled with more good times than bad. I’m no different.

To celebrate the start of the new year, Gary and I booked a room at the Dallas Omni Park hotel and participated in their New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner and Party. Gary acted in the show last year, so it was his first time to participate as a “guest.” The night started with people mingling through the crowd getting to know each other. It was a great time to scope out the actors who would be the “suspects” for the murder — most of the people mingling around are actors. The night moved forward with action taking place between the meal courses and clues were dispersed throughout the evening. They caught Gary off guard by making him come on stage as a “suspect,” and he had to interact with the lead detective for a short impromptu interrogation. It was funny, of course. You would expect no less with Gary. The hilarious thing is that everyone at our table was convinced Gary was the culprit, even after our repeated attempts to convince them otherwise. Apparently, other tables also thought he did it, so much for just being a guest this year.

The mystery concluded with a reveal of the “murderer” before midnight, and prizes were awarded to those who came closest to unraveling the mystery. In the remaining moments of 2010, the DJ played some tunes, we donned our Happy New Year hats and grabbed noisemakers. Together, we counted down to 2011 and stole a kiss as the balloons dropped from the ceiling of the ballroom. It was nothing less than a fun evening.

Let’s hope for more of the same in 2011. Happy New Year to all!