Wow, is it really the end of 2009? Somebody pinch me and wake me up from this dream. Was that really me having such a wonderful year?

“American Idol” winner and Grammy-nominated Ruben Studdard found it easy to connect with the crowd during his appearance at the 3rd Annual Sickle Cell 5 K Walk Event at the Overton Park Levett Shell in September. Backstage he talked about his commitment to fight to wipe out the disease. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams takes some backstage time to answer a question from Nyah Nile, the Tri-State Defender’s ‘All Over Town’ personality, during a reservations-only event at the National Civil Rights Museum in September. (Photo by Earl Stanback)

Anthony Hamilton brought his Grammy Award-winning sound to The Desoto Civic Center in May. In an interview before the concert, he told Nyah, “I am going old school, and all of that comes with it. Memphis get ready!” (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

With so many amazing changes in my life happening all in one year, this is definitely one I will never forget.  I’ve committed to take some quality time to reflect more fully on the highs and lows of the year.   

Also, it is a must to make a 2009 mix of my favorite songs of the year from my iPod (which is something I advice everyone to do also.)  Of course like many others, I will make a couple of New Year’s resolutions too.  

No matter how you choose to celebrate the advent of 2010 – with fireworks, traveling to a foreign country, watching the Famous Times Square Party with the large crystal ball drop countdown, staying at home safe and sound, party-going, reading, going to church, or practicing good luck New Year’s superstitions – just be safe while having fun.

Here are a few reminders.   

Check your local listings for transportation companies participating in offering free rides to partygoers on New Year’s Eve.

Don’t drink and drive and never, ever let anyone drive after drinking.

Play safe with the fireworks.

Plan ahead for possible overnight guests.

Keep ample food on hand to help absorb alcohol.

Have an assortment of non-alcoholic drinks on hand.

Stop serving alcohol at least an hour and a half before the party ends.

With all the travel and airport restrictions (scares) this holiday season many may not be traveling out of town, and home may be the first choice.  Some say staying at home is the safest thing to do to ring in the New Year. Deciding to stay home may mean you’re having a gathering for friends and family. If so, spice it up with a theme New Year’s party night. If the kids are staying in too, make it exciting with kid-friendly and fun family ideas! This may mean you have to put away the formal gowns and champagne and bring out the board games, festive hats and sleeping bags!

New Year’s superstitions

As I understand it, the idea behind New Year’s Day superstitions is that an event occurring on New Year’s Day sets the pattern for the rest of the year. With that in mind, check these out:

Eat black-eyed peas

The thought is that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will attract both general good luck and money in particular to the one doing the dining.

Kiss at Midnight

The idea is that kissing at midnight ensures that affections and ties will continue throughout the New Year.  

First Footing

Never leave home before someone comes in first. First footer in the house should be ushered in with a warm welcome and should not have flat feet, cross-eyes or eyebrows stretching out to meet in the middle. And he or she should be bearing certain small gifts, to increase the power.

Letting the old year out

At midnight, all the doors of a house must be opened to let the old year out.

Babies born on the first

Babies born on the first day of January are said to be the luckiest of all throughout their lives.

About town

Here in the Bluff City, there is a lot to do to ring in the year. I will be making my rounds through the town. You may catch me out and about at one of these hot spots:

“The Countdown New Year’s Eve Party” at Onix Lounge, 412 S. Main, begins at 9 p.m.; complimentary champagne toast at midnight; males: 25 & up, ladies: 21 and over; dress code: fly & fashionable. For more info: www.moody-inc.com

On Beale Street, you can enjoy live music in Handy Park plus festivities up and down Beale Street. The place to be, however, will be a count down to midnight with the Hard Rock Guitar Drop and fireworks from the rooftop. Party-time: 6 p.m. For more information: www.bealestreetmerchants.com.

The Peabody Hotel at 149 Union Avenue will host two New Year’s Eve Parties: WildSide Party – Saving Abel with Al Kapone and DJ Mark Anderson in the Grand Ballroom, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.; The Scene Party – Andy Childs with DJ Cody Rogers and John Felix Trio, Grand Lobby, Continental Ballroom and Corner Bar, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. For more information: www.peabodymemphis.com.

House of Mtenzi at 1289 Madison Avenue; Enjoy IMPROV-OERTY in The Real Basement with live open mic, poetry, R&B, soul, jazz, comedy, and dancing. All proceeds help fund Operation Warm-up. For more info: visit www.stoneawards.org or call 901-690-2883.

“A NEW DECADE WITH HOPE AND PROMISE” – 2010 New Year’s Day Prayer Breakfast and the New Year’s Day Jazz Champagne Brunch with City Councilman Myron Lowery; both events at the Holiday Inn Select at Airways and Democrat. Prayer Breakfast – 9 a.m., with guest speaker Congressman Steve Cohen; Gospel music by Fannie Clark and the Tennessee Mass Choir and Deborah Manning Thomas. The Jazz Champagne Brunch – 1:30 p.m. Door prizes, special gifts and entertainment, including The Peacemakers, The Sassie Seniors of Memphis and recorded music by Milton Williams. Tickets:  $50 for each event. For more information or reservations, call 521-4300.