Chances are, if you've ever been at a big group dinner (think "a friends birthday" dinner), you have been in the situation of sitting at a long table and trying to, very subtly, arrange it so you are sitting next to and across from people you like.  You probably have also been in a situation where, at such an event, you got stuck at the end of the table, surrounded by people you don't know, with the birthday person, the one you are there to see, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down on the other end.  Bummer.  Super bummer.  You spend the whole time small talking and chit chatting, when you were all excited to get some face-time with the honoree. 

Today i am headed to VT for a new years celebration with about 10 of my favorite people all-time.  Very exciting.  At dinner, you can seat me anywhere at the table, and ill be equally happy.  THAT, is how you know you're with family.

Happy New Year.