2005-01-02 - 12:15 p.m.

thankfully i think i have finally broken my string of disastrous new year's eve celebrations. last year began in emotional turmoil and uncertainty anyway, and it was only highlighted by the embarrassing denouement of the southside party where i rang in the new year. i woke up in 2004 feeling isolated, alone, and vaguely betrayed. not to mention kinda sore.

but this year an unexpected invitation from one of my new favorite people led me to madison square garden to see one of my favorite bands. i'd normally not be too enthusiastic about a giant stadium show but the lineup (sleater-kinney / flaming lips / wilco) was brilliant and i've been dying to see the flaming lips. the flaming lips exceeded all expectations, a huge cast of people dressed as stuffed animals danced alongside them onstage as balloons, streamers, and strobelights were aimed at the audience and psychedelic video clips played on the big screen overhead. i didn't expect much from wilco but they truly rocked, even working in an outstanding cover of 'don't fear the reaper'.

afterwards we made our way to the lounge which was packed with drunken revellers. we sat in a dark corner and talked philosophy and psychoanalysis until it was too early in the morning to think of anything practical besides sleep. i woke up in 2005 feeling optimistic and happy, and went to see a jacques tati movie with j.