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Journal Writing

January 1st, 2026

Wringing Out the New Year

My New Year’s Eve was a real blowout—if you consider snow-blowing the driveway after work a blowout.

Trust me, I would’ve liked to have gotten plowed, just not in the way you’re thinking. I mean an actual plow. One that shows up uninvited and clears your driveway while you pretend you did something to deserve it.

After salting the sidewalk, I did get a little slushed, though—mostly by the snow.

Instead of getting three sheets to the wind, I put the sheets in the dryer after washing them. I was Arm & Hammered, but only because I underestimated how aggressive baking soda can be.

I rang in the New Year by wringing out my shirt after giving my Miniature Schnauzer a bath. Real party animal. Always all four to the floor. At least the hair of the dog is clean now, which is more than I can say for my dignity.

For some, my New Year’s jamboree might seem more jamboring, but I still had quite the ball. The ball my dog kept bringing back to me. And sure, I had a little bubbly—mainly because I gave her a bubble bath.

Best part? I didn’t even need to call an Uber.

Though I do wish there was an Ubrr—you know, where someone shows up at midnight, clears your driveway, and lets you pretend this was all part of the plan.

Ryan Olejnik is an author, computer scientist, music journalist, musician, record producer and photographer. He is currently writing a novella, an anthology of short stories and a volume of poetry. He is a music journalist for Tapevine Magazine and a record producer for Farm Out Music. He has a sci-fidelic rock project known as Starjelly and releases instrumental electronic music as Torchard.

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