Bonnenkai parties

Tonight I had an 'end of the year' party. They are called 'bonnenkai' and are a way to celebrate the end of a (hopefully) good year. More often than none one ends up paying an average of 5-7000 yen ($50USD) at each Japanese pub...OUCH. Make that one or two parties each week...and there goes that month's salary. >_< If you are lucky, you'll get invited to a potluck party at one's house though let it be noted that the Japanese rarely entertain at home. (due to size and lack of custom) I cannot wait until next year when the partying continues with 'shinenkai' - can you guess what that is??? Yes, it's a 'celebrate the new year' party...they happen all throughout January and in some cases, even February. Parties. Aren't they the best?! ^_^