Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to watch the ball drop in Times Square. I've also eagerly anticipated one day owning a pair of those delightful New Year's Eve sunglasses, which show the digits of the year that we're welcoming. And, this year, I finally got my chance!
Michael took me up to The City (as his family casually calls it) and surprised me with dinner reservations at an adorable place called Da Marino.
I feasted on an entree of shrimp and chocolate linguine, smothered in this creamy vodka sauce. It was soooo yummy and original! And when the piano player sang my requested "Moon River" for me, I tried to distract myself so as to not cry little tears of happiness.
For grace, we prayed the Te Deum prayer aloud, since a friend of ours alerted us to a plenary indulgence that is offered to those who, on New Year's Eve and in thanksgiving for the year that passed, recite the prayer aloud, and--within 8 days--pray for the Holy Father, receive Communion, go to Confession, and attend Mass. [A second plenary indulgence would be offered on January 1st if the usual conditions are met and the Veni Creator Spiritus is prayed aloud for blessings upon the new year.]
When we were finished with dinner, we walked around the city, noticing how incredibly crowded the streets were becoming -- and how quickly the police were setting up barricades. Being in Times Square or even seeing it from a distance would be impossible, of course, so I explained to Michael that I was just happy to be there. I didn't care where we went.
So we walked around the city--albeit slowly due to the crowds--and we took a few photographs, thinking that these would be the best that we could get.
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| It was a bummer that they already unplugged the Christmas tree lights at Rockafeller Center, but we took a picture in front of it anyhow! |
When we reached the Public Library of New York at 11 PM, I suggested that we just stay there to ring in the New Year. A barricade had just gone up, and I planted myself closely next to it, figuring that my nose and face could enjoy fresh air if I were against it, rather than to be buried somewhere within a crowd. Within two minutes, a huge crowd formed behind us. Indeed, we were now stuck. This was to be our place, then. I took a photo of the view we would have: a little sliver of a TV screen from Times Square. All of us would have to take our cue from that sliver (as well as our cell phones) to know when to cheer.
But just then Michael told me he had an idea...and that he'd be right back. Hmm.
I watched him go up to a police officer, show something from his pocket (which later I learned was evidence of his status in the Air Force), the police officer nodded, and Michael motioned for me to come join him.
The police officer opened the barricade for us, and we were allowed to walk completely through! This was incredible. We had gotten through the barricade! We hurried down the unoccupied street. Could we get through another?
At the next barricade, Michael showed his ID card to the police officer. Once again, we got the subtle wave to come on through. Each time we approached a line of police officers and barricades, through we went. It was unreal!
At one point, we got to quickly walk behind row of about 20 police offers who were holding back a barricade with a massive and rowdy crowd behind it. Onlookers seemed confused and jealous as to why we were getting the special treatment! I was so embarrassed yet excited that all I could do was squeal, hold his hand, and watch my step as we quickly walked ahead!
Only certain police officers were qualified to acknowledge Mike's status and let us through. From gate to gate, we were told which side of the street to be on so as to encounter the highest ranking police officer. What fun!!
By the time we arrived to the heart of Time Square (in a nice roomy area where we were allowed to stand with the family members of the NYPD and Fire Department), my heart was literally fluttering because of how excited I was!
It was now 11:45 PM. We could go anywhere we wanted, but we chose to stay where we were (looking at Times Square from the back), given that the view was incredible and that it was ALMOST TIME!! We quickly called our parents to tell them of our new location.
At the stroke of Midnight, impressive fireworks exploded from the top of the building, and with them exploded over 2,000 pounds of confetti, which showered upon us. I scooped up several pieces to keep as souvenirs!
The first song I remember hearing them play in 2011 was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Michael and I stayed for the whole song, just taking in the moment. We couldn't believe what had just happened. Thank you, Jesus!
We thought that leaving might prove to be difficult given the crowds, but it wasn't. We had first dibs on the subway (given that there was an entrance to it in our location which the crowds couldn't access), so we got right on it before the masses did. Incredible!
This, dear readers, was the best New Year's Eve celebration ever in my life!! Thank you, God!
Here's one last picture! Can you see how I pieced it together from several photographs? :)
I will post a video from the night very soon! Stay tuned!
