Well, I have just completed my last run prior to my 5k tomorrow.  Not that a 5k is much to crow about, but when you are fearful of 20 degrees and snow – it’s slightly daunting.  Fortunately, this morning was a balmy 30, so I am in good shape.

Just perused the local paper.  And by local, I truly mean it.  There is such a small smattering of national and international news that I wonder if the editors know that there is a world outside Happy Valley.  So until I pick up another more worldly paper, I have absolutely no clue what is going on outside of State College.  I guess I could pop onto MSN.com to find out the latest on the Kardashians, but not much else.

I have, however, sorted out my social calendar in PA thanks to the “Weekender.”  I am headed to Bellefonte for the Fiber Art exhibit, no really I am.  And then also in Bellefonte is an exhibit on Victorian dresses.   Next week is an exhibit on Penn State during the Civil War.  And a used book sale at the end of the month.  AND…. wait for it… if I am still here on Jan. 31, I can see Chucho Valdes play at Eisenhower Auditorium.  That will be awesome!!! And somehow hopefully make up for the fact that I will be freezing my ass off in State College, PA.  Lest I forget, I also have Jan. 19 scheduled to see the Fighting Illini take on the Nittany Lions – basketball – with my dad.

And for the really rocking New Year’s Eve…. my Resolution Run and then we are going to hear a jazz band in the basement of the Presbyterian church as part of State College’s First Night activities, partly because I enjoy live jazz and I confess partly because the band leader is kind of a hottie.  Although, I really don’t expect any romantic potential because, and this is not in order of priority: I will be sweaty and disheveled from running 3.2 miles; I will be hanging with my parents; and probably most importantly because he is likely married – as the photo on the band website is him with a toddler.  Observation: any of the semi-eligible appearing guys also appear to be married which makes them entirely in-eligible.  It’s feeling like a Michigan phenomena… everyone gets married in their 20s and the single scene is abysmal once you are over 35.

And why the worry anyway?  This is supposed to be a temporary landing.  I will be off and running somewhere else in the foreseeable future.  Right?

Back to New Year’s Eve… after the jazz, we head back home for late night dinner – meal is TBD  -and champagne.  Hopefully, we will make it til midnight and will watch the ball drop – while all my friends in LA will just be getting started on celebrating.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and fun-filled New Year’s extravaganza!

As ever,

K. Quinn