I formed a mental picture of what my New Year's Eve was going to be like. I was going to be walking in the cold with no coat to my parents house to borrow a car to drive home and get keys, then drive back to get my car, only to drive up just as it ran out of gas. Then I would get to go back to my parents to borrow a gas can, fill it up, give my car enough gas to get to the gas station.

I tried the driver's door again. Locked. The left, rear door. Locked. The right, rear door. Locked. What are the chances that the passenger-side door would open? I almost didn't try it, but you never know, so I grabbed the handle. Sure enough, you never know. It opened. The lock was cold enough that it had started to lock, but hadn't quite moved all the way into the locked position. WHEW!!

So I was able to end 2002 on a good note after all. I was so happy that I splurged and picked up some Chinese take-out for our dinner and headed home. I still haven't figured out why my car locked me out and why I was fortunate enough to be able to get back in, but it was enough to make me greatful for a warm car that would carry me home to my family with comfort and ease.

We brought in the new year with good food, a movie and some sparkling cider. So since I'm writing, I might as well wish a happy new year to all our friends and family.