New Year.

 31 January 2012

            My New Year’s Eve was spent back home in Michigan in a little city called Kalamazoo.  In a previous lifetime, I dwelled amongst Kalamazoo’s tree-lined streets, old beautiful homes and surprisingly liberal attitude for about 5 years.  It is the place where I finished my undergraduate degree, still have many great friends, and danced my ass off to some of the best DJs between Detroit and Chicago almost every night.  Ouzos was the place we most regularly went to get lifted on the dance floor.  On New Year’s Eve, Ouzos brought it back like it was 2006 and I had the pleasure to head to the spot with some of the most beautiful women Kzoo has ever held.  Walking up the often travelled sidewalk, I immediately knew how on-point the evening would be when Chris, my favorite door guy, was working his usual spot (letting me breeze past the line and in the door for free – just like old times).  This was the first time in years that Ouzos removed its restaurant interiors to become the dance floor we all used to cherish every Saturday night.    

            With an outsider’s first impression of Ouzos, they may conclude it is a simple, small lounge with a fancy, decorative bar and a gorgeous copper ceiling.  To an insider, walking through that huge wooden windowed door is like walking through the gateway to paradise.  The people you love will be there.  The house music quickly beats back worries and sends them straight back out the door.  The dancers’ rhythm shares a groove of connection and happiness.  It is my heaven.

            On New Year’s Eve, I danced amongst my people for hours (even Tyrone showed up!) until 4am hit, the dance floor emptied and my aching knees told me it was time to chill.  And this I did, sitting back with J Lunatic and Sierra while Felix dropped some Bob Marley in the mix.  It was a perfect end to a perfect night while also being a perfect beginning to a new year.    

            I once heard that whatever a person is doing when the New Year strikes will be how their next year will be spent.  If I want to see the truth in this, my 2012 will be spent amongst good friends in heavenly situations working it on the dance floor of life.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The end of the night - thanks for getting this picture Sean!