First, during our New Year’s Eve Chinese-food dinner, I scored this fortune in my cookie … and so desperate am I for a good year, I’m going to suspend disbelief and pretend it is an accurate forecast of my journey through 2011.
Then, after heading outside for an early NYE celebration with some sparklers that my wife bought for the kids, I shot the coolest photo I’ve ever taken, which captures our resident “Last Airbender” fan doing an impromptu fire-bending routine.
And now, here we are … January 3rd … and, so far, I’m not depressed, I’m still employed, I haven’t had to get hooked up to an EKG, no unspeakable crisis has befallen my family, and everyone I love who was alive two days ago? Still alive as I type this … so, hot damn, people: 2011 kicks ass!
Cheeky Muffy says
Awesome photo. That is a keeper.
Robyn says
Here’s hoping the rest of the year goes as well (or better!) as the first 3 days!! And congrats on the great photo!
Kara says
Kudos, that photo is extremely awesome. Definitely hoping for a wonderful 2011 for you and the Zal clan!
Erin says
Great photo. My 2010 was complete dreck so I’m right with you on the sucking up to 2011. In fact, I’m going to go bake it some cookies right now. Best wishes for a splendid 2011!
Gigi says
So far, so good. Let’s hope 2011 continues to rock. Great photo!
tammy says
Love the pic. I hope the good time keep a comin’!!!
The Domestic Goddess says
Hooray for 2011!
Muskrat says
Cool picture– we actually spelled a word with our sparklers last year, so…. I win.
https://fathermuskrat.com/2010/01/02/2009-a-muskrat-odyssey/
Jon Zal says
I’ve gathered the neighborhood children. We’re working on “Supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus” … either that, or “Asshole” … dedicated to you. 😉
Daniella says
Your optimism is refreshing….
Madiantin says
That is, in fact, a stinkin’ awesome picture. YAY2011! I’m very cautiously optimistic. I really don’t like surprise bites in the bum and based on last year’s experiences…I’m just nervous. OTOH, it’s not helpful to be negative so you’re right! 2011 rules! 🙂
Didactic Pirate says
Seriously – how did you get that shot? I tried to take the same picture with my daughter and her sparklers on NYE, and… not so much.
Happy New Year to you.
Jon Zal says
I’ll upload the original to Flickr tonight so you can view the EXIF data. (All I did to the above version was fix the white balance so it’s less yellow.)
Jon Zal says
Or, rather, I’ll upload the original to Flickr *tonight* … maybe. Sorry.
joycee says
Cool! Now why didn’t I think of that? Probably because we
were sound asleep at midnight!
Jon Zal says
Midnight? Oh, good lord, no. The sparkler shenanigans took place around 7 o’clock! I was in bed nursing a cold and playing “Angry Birds” at midnight, with a snoring my wife by my side.
Jamie, Mom of 3 says
Very cool pic! 2009 was my year that sucked (house fire). 2010, was a gradual uphill climb. My prediction is that 2011 will continue the uphill climb for both you and me. Happy New Year!!
Debi says
I have been reading your blog for weeks and am enjoying
getting caught up on the archives. Keep up the great work. And yes,
I came over from Pioneer Woman’s blog and love you both:) I hope
this year will be less sucky for you!! Happy New Year to you and
my wife.
Meg at the Members Lounge says
Very nice photo. As the fortune cookie might say, your future is sparkling. At least after a Mai Tai!
dana says
New blog name: Daddy Sparkles. Awesome shot.
Carol Anne says
Beautiful photo. Can I borrow your fortune? I could also
use a better 2011.
phdlady says
One of those “people coming from @ thepioneerwoman’s site”…
love, love, love your blog. I’ve been feverishly reading your past
entries. Ho. Le. Shit. You may be THE funniest person I have ever
encountered…and of course, you are an outstanding writer! Happy New
Year!! Great pic!
Tara says
I am a lurker from PW’s blog…and I’m commenting….I
haven’t ran away screaming…yet. Seriously, I might have to go
through your archives because your blog is heelarious. Here’s to a
exceptional 2011!
Tara says
an exceptional 2011…sorry.
Rickey Rudy says
I just finished reading a years worth of your blogs from
current to past! Now I have found another blog that makes me
chuckle. Good for you! I can relate to the 2010 thing and a year in
front of it. I too, am working on making 2011 the best year we’ve
had in awhile. I’m doing it after being rif’d (one of the employees
that were a part of reduction in force) from Clear Channel Radio at
the beginning of Dec.. It actually is a blessing. On to more
meaningful and pleasurable work, Jon Zal and all in
2011!