Still, aside from a trip to California, I’ve not travelled much this year. And, while I do enjoy time with friends, and most especially with my daughter, I have few “haunts” or “goto” places. And so, I think that my best “place” is simply wherever I am when I’m happy and that means wherever I am with friends or family.

This can be floating on a river in a kayak with my friends on a hot summer day.

It can be sitting in my cubicle at work solving a particularly sticky programming problem.

It can be sitting inside the Nashville Arena watching the Nashville Predators winning a hockey game, unless they’re playing my favorite team: the Anaheim Ducks, in which case I am only happy if the Ducks win.

It can be sitting in an In-N-Out Burger joint enjoying a double/double and fries with my daughter.

It can be hanging out with co-workers at a local eatery, enjoying good company, good conversation and good live music.

It can be watching Cowboy Mouth play at the Exit/In.

For me, the “best place” is mostly a metaphor for where I can hang out with my friends or family or even just enjoying my surroundings alone.

After giving this topic careful consideration I have to report that over the past year there haven’t been any nights that stand above the rest.  But, don’t misunderstand me.  I’ve had some stellar nights.  Among them: seeing Cowboy Mouth play live at the Exit/In in Nashville

Cowboy Mouth at the Exit/In in Nashville

Steph and me before the start of the Predators game.

What was it about these nights that stand out for me?  Easy, spending time with people I love or admire.  Enjoying their company and conversation.  Laughing and making them laugh.  Knowing that we all simply enjoy being around each other.  For me, this is what a great night is all about.