My first marriage was a very unhappy one. It lasted for a dozen years and, for obvious reasons, New Year’s Eve held very bad memories for me. I never understood why there was a holiday devoted to drinking, especially since it caused so much heartache for so many. I’m embarrassed to admit that, while I’ve come a long way, especially after a couple of years of counseling I obtained a few years ago, I still occasionally have nightmares about my first marriage.

After I married Richard, neither of us had the desire to go out on New Year’s Eve. I preferred to curl up with him and watch movies, pretending not to remember the ghosts of New Year’s Past.

This year, we were invited to a New Year’s Eve party. None of our new friends in Florida drinks in excess. They are all responsible, mature adults but they still know how to have fun. I thought about it for a few days, and talked it over with Richard. We decided to accept the invitation. And, I’m excited! It will be the first time in our 17 years of marriage that we’ve gone out on New Year’s Eve. Richard feels like I’ve made a significant breakthrough. I agree! 🙂

THIS WEEK’S MASONISM:

Mason was not-so-patiently waiting his turn to open a gift on Christmas morning. I said, “Isn’t it fun to watch other people open presents on Christmas?”

He replied, “No. It’s more fun to watch yourself open presents.”

REMINDER!
ALERT!!! ONLY 3 1/2 WEEKS UNTIL THE WINTER, 2016 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST!

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