Reflections on the season
So, before I launch into a diatribe about my resolutions for the new year (that'll come later this week), I'd like to take a few minutes to enjoy the remainder of the Christmas season. Here, a few days after Christmas, people are calmer and nicer -- the folks in Lowes were much smilier than I suspect they were a few days ago. And so, in the spirit of good stuff, here are the top 5 holiday gifts I received this year, in no particular order:
1. 2 emails from old friends.
One was from a friend from Germany who I lost touch with about a year and a half ago. I've known her since we were about 13, spent time with her at age 15 when she came to the states and stayed in touch all through high school and college. It was great to see her pictures of her husband and son, and to know that she is still doing well and that she was thinking of me, since I think of her every holiday season, whether I hear from her or not.
The second was from another old friend, but one who I lost touch with only 6 months ago. This was not because our lives got complicated by spouses and children, but because we are both brats who don't know how to just pick up the phone and talk to each other like normal human beings. So, I'm glad my friend was smarter than me and at least sent an email to let me know I was on someone's mind.
2. John Kerry playing cards and the accompanying poker book.
I realize this is a severe departure from the sentimentality of the above gift. But seeing Barack Obama (who makes me want to move to Illinois) on the 2 of clubs in priceless. And the book will come in handy later this month when I keep folks up playing cards when we come home from Fagers.
3. The spa gift certificate.
This gift is awesome, not because it is from the place I get my hair and such done, but because Brian didn't know I went there and had to seek out a spa from which to get me a certificate. I love it when that boy puts his thinking cap on.
4. The chef's knife.
Okay, it's weird. But I've gotten in this cooking mood lately and have learned that my tools all suck. Except my chef's knife, which is new and shiny and fabulous. I am a big domestic dork.
5. The week off.
Not exactly a gift, I know. The university collects holidays during the year (Columbus day, veterans day, etc.) and closes down between Christmas and New Years. Which means I get to take myself to lunch, paint my living room, and potentially spend some of that holiday cash that's burning a hole in my pocket.
Happy holidays to all!!!
1. 2 emails from old friends.
One was from a friend from Germany who I lost touch with about a year and a half ago. I've known her since we were about 13, spent time with her at age 15 when she came to the states and stayed in touch all through high school and college. It was great to see her pictures of her husband and son, and to know that she is still doing well and that she was thinking of me, since I think of her every holiday season, whether I hear from her or not.
The second was from another old friend, but one who I lost touch with only 6 months ago. This was not because our lives got complicated by spouses and children, but because we are both brats who don't know how to just pick up the phone and talk to each other like normal human beings. So, I'm glad my friend was smarter than me and at least sent an email to let me know I was on someone's mind.
2. John Kerry playing cards and the accompanying poker book.
I realize this is a severe departure from the sentimentality of the above gift. But seeing Barack Obama (who makes me want to move to Illinois) on the 2 of clubs in priceless. And the book will come in handy later this month when I keep folks up playing cards when we come home from Fagers.
3. The spa gift certificate.
This gift is awesome, not because it is from the place I get my hair and such done, but because Brian didn't know I went there and had to seek out a spa from which to get me a certificate. I love it when that boy puts his thinking cap on.
4. The chef's knife.
Okay, it's weird. But I've gotten in this cooking mood lately and have learned that my tools all suck. Except my chef's knife, which is new and shiny and fabulous. I am a big domestic dork.
5. The week off.
Not exactly a gift, I know. The university collects holidays during the year (Columbus day, veterans day, etc.) and closes down between Christmas and New Years. Which means I get to take myself to lunch, paint my living room, and potentially spend some of that holiday cash that's burning a hole in my pocket.
Happy holidays to all!!!
