Happy New Year!

I'd like to take this time to say hello, and goodbye, and wish everyone a warm year's ending. Personally, this year, the palindrome of all years: 2002, in many ways has been one of the most successful for me, and in other ways I detested waking up and wanted to hide under my bed for hours and days on end, but alas, we must move forward and embrace out journeys through life. 2002 reflects upon itself, as I looked in the mirror, staring at my reflection, an image I cannot fake to the world. My face has new changes, my hair is a lot less these days (and thinning), my eyes have grown more cynical, my voice has grown stronger, and my focus to live boldly and write truthfully and take risks seems to led me back on track... 2002 reflects itself, as I too reflected upon myself to see many things: good, bad, and ugly. We are who we are, and we're going to go where we're headed, and I wish everyone sanity, peace, joy, happiness on your trip through 2003, and I hope one of you wins the lottery this year so you can lend me $50,000 for a down payment on a farm in Iceland. With that being said, I consider myself a wealthy man, not because of my net worth, but rather the people in my life who love, listen, support and inspire me. My wealth is a result of my friendships, and because of you, I must say... Thanks.

Happy New Year.

Be Sweet!
Pauly
31 Dec 2002

3 hours.... I'm getting antsy! I talked to Zobo and we're planning on meeting for a Phishy pre-party at Triple Crown on 28th & Seventh Ave, (Stop by if you are in the hood from 6:15 to 7:15). He has a crew of about 8 or so Japanese Phisheads to pre-party with, so it should be phun! Ok... I'm outta here... I'll blog a setlist and thoughts when I get home!

5? 5 hours until PHISH!!!!!!!!! I'm calling Punch You In The Eye to open the show.

Dave Simanoff sent me this e-mail:

Hey Pauly --

Just thirteen hours 'til you enter the New Year with Phish! Are you psyched? If you could be any Phish-loving animal, what animal would you be and why? How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Phish Food ice cream bar?

What comes to mind when I write the following: "In 1972, a crack band was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, and no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire Phish."

How many fish could a Phish bitch fish if a Phish bitch could fish fish? Do Phish girls just wanna have fun? Would you like to sleep with the Phishes? Did you leave your heart in San Fran-Phish-co?

Which is your favorite snack food:

A. Pepperidge Farm Gold-Phish
B. Swedish Phish
C. Phish and chips
D. Phishfingers

Have you heard the following saying: "Give a man a Phish CD, and he'll listen for a day, but teach a man how to be Phish, and he'll make great music forever"? Have you read Dr. Seuss' classic, "One Phish, Two Phish, Red Phish, Blue Phish"?

Your Phishy pal,
Dave

Well.... 12 hours.... and counting... getting excited!

"When I say friends, I mean friends. Not anybody and everybody can be your friend. It must be someone as close to you as your skin, someone who imparts color, drama, meaning to your life, however snug and secure it may be." - Henry Miller