Christmas was an exceptionally good one. Everyone in my family was far too generous, my Mom cried at her gift [yessss] & merry times were had by all. The family from Tennessee was up for a few days which was bittersweet. So sad they don't live closer, although Tai and I now are filled with good intentions to visit them for an extended stay.
Also, the cousins came up for Christmas Eve and we had the most hilarious evening. First, Tai, Liz, Bethany & I played the funniest game of LIFE I have ever played. I can't even explain why, but we didn't even finish the game because we were crying too hard.
We also decided to keep with tradition and watch old family videos of past Christmas Eve "shows" we would do for our parents. I'm sure I have talked often enough about how nerdy and awkward I was when I was younger....but seriously. I literally have never seen anyone with a haircut like the one I was sporting.
Lastly, Bethany decided to ask us a series of questions about kissing and how it works because she had seen two people kissing in a movie. It was one of those conversations with young children where they are full of curiosity & unbarred by social standards and norms. This makes for quite an interesting conversation, full of unheard of perceptions & ideas about proper kissing techniques. Needless to say, this will be a good conversation to remind Bethany of in about 5 years.
Chris got me a box set of 6 C.S. Lewis books I didn't have. I'm excited to work my way through them. Already through "A Grief Observed" which was insightful and a bit surprising. I also received a Johnny Flynn record, a Coldplay record, various gift cards and a pair of headphones that are not earbuds. What do you call them? I don't even know, they cover my ears and are chunky. I like them.
I just tried to eat a massive bite of potato and almost split my jaw open. It still hasn't quite recovered from my extremely hardcore [not really] sledding accident a few weeks back. This should be teaching me to eat like a lady, but so far I still try to manage enormous bites and suffer painful consequences. Dash it all.
The day after Christmas was the most depressing day. I always have issues with the day after Christmas. All of the gifts and family and eating make me quite languid the next day. I also come to the sad realization that Christmas is now so far away. I remember distinctly feeling this way for the first time years ago, right after the Christmas where I got my "Walk to Remember" soundtrack. No matter how many times Mandy Moore sang Only Hope, nothing would ever compare to the moment when I opened it, because then I was joyful and glowing, and the day after I was obese, wearing my baggiest clothes and too overwhelmed with Christmas to do anything but sit and listen to the soundtrack over and over.
[We can just slide right over the fact that I was totally obsessed with that soundtrack for years and still occasionally play it in my car.]
Anyhow, now I'm back to work and getting my life moving again. I've been working like a mad person on our attic, trying to get it ready for Tai and I to move our beds up there so we can make our room more functional for crafts, writing, homework, dance parties, etc. Right now it's a bit cramped.
One of my favorite customers, Jeremy, was in writing his book at the coffee shop all this week.
He says it's a science fiction novel [did I say this already? I feel like I'm repeating myself...] so we joke that it's a science fiction novel about baristas.
He's secretly writing about us.
We try to give him some material to go off of.
If no one else is in the coffee shop I'll randomly yell at my boss "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU STOLE THE FAMILY JEWELS!"
Then I remember it's science fiction so I add something stereotypical like "...AND SOLD THEM TO THE ALIENS!!"
We get a kick out of ourselves.
Jeremy told me if he ever makes it, he'll give me a copy of his book.
Never really worry for a bit
Sometimes it feels worse than it really is
You may always be changing your mind
Just push hard for the finish line.
12.30.2010
12.22.2010
one hundred. sixty three.
I should never be allowed to enter a department store alone.
I wander aimlessly, filled with good intentions mixed with an impulsive consumer drive.
Today it was Walmart.
I had two things to pick up: curtain rods and dog food. I can usually tear myself away from clothes, shoes, electronics, etc... Not too much of a problem. My self-control is exceptional.
However, do not put me in home goods.
Alone and defenseless I will muse thoughtfully over cutting boards, compare pillows, browse sheets, inspect comforters, sniff candles and gaze longingly at can openers, spatulas and other kitchen doo-dads.
There is not much rhyme or reason behind this.
I do not have a home of my own.
I can't attribute my interest to the high-quality offered.
And yet I find myself shocked and sorely tempted when I round the corner and find FLEECE THROWS: 2 FOR $3!
I run my hand along the soft, patterned blanket and wonder at such a deal, regardless of the fact that we have close to 83...trillion blankets in our house.
It could be even more.
I lost count after we stocked up on blankets and cheese powder in preparation for Y2K. Thankfully we didn't need them, but we still haven't quite recovered. The cheese powder is gone, but the blankets have remained, even multiplied after moving to a bigger house.
No, I didn't buy any blankets today.
This does not lessen the danger of me in a home goods section. Today I might be able to walk away, but next time will I come home with a down alternative comforter? A variety of kitchen knives? Olive oil bottles?
It's a real problem.
Went to the city yesterday with a merry gang, including newly engaged Jacbo & Jenna.
Lauren, Tai and I were positively gushing the whole day through.
It's good to see things that are right, and they are right.
Another [lesser] reason I am excited: road trip for the wedding. I'm not sure if Daphne [my little Honda] will make the whole trip, but let's cross our fingers and hope so. I automatically link driving to music, so my mind involuntarily begins making playlists for the drive. It will be grand. I'm banning Alabama from the playlist, Taylor. Also, Bon Jovi.
Need to get back to making an enormous amount of Christmas gifts.
Truth: I'll probably just go and watch some more documentaries about food. I'm totally hooked.
I wander aimlessly, filled with good intentions mixed with an impulsive consumer drive.
Today it was Walmart.
I had two things to pick up: curtain rods and dog food. I can usually tear myself away from clothes, shoes, electronics, etc... Not too much of a problem. My self-control is exceptional.
However, do not put me in home goods.
Alone and defenseless I will muse thoughtfully over cutting boards, compare pillows, browse sheets, inspect comforters, sniff candles and gaze longingly at can openers, spatulas and other kitchen doo-dads.
There is not much rhyme or reason behind this.
I do not have a home of my own.
I can't attribute my interest to the high-quality offered.
And yet I find myself shocked and sorely tempted when I round the corner and find FLEECE THROWS: 2 FOR $3!
I run my hand along the soft, patterned blanket and wonder at such a deal, regardless of the fact that we have close to 83...trillion blankets in our house.
It could be even more.
I lost count after we stocked up on blankets and cheese powder in preparation for Y2K. Thankfully we didn't need them, but we still haven't quite recovered. The cheese powder is gone, but the blankets have remained, even multiplied after moving to a bigger house.
No, I didn't buy any blankets today.
This does not lessen the danger of me in a home goods section. Today I might be able to walk away, but next time will I come home with a down alternative comforter? A variety of kitchen knives? Olive oil bottles?
It's a real problem.
Went to the city yesterday with a merry gang, including newly engaged Jacbo & Jenna.
Lauren, Tai and I were positively gushing the whole day through.
It's good to see things that are right, and they are right.
Another [lesser] reason I am excited: road trip for the wedding. I'm not sure if Daphne [my little Honda] will make the whole trip, but let's cross our fingers and hope so. I automatically link driving to music, so my mind involuntarily begins making playlists for the drive. It will be grand. I'm banning Alabama from the playlist, Taylor. Also, Bon Jovi.
Need to get back to making an enormous amount of Christmas gifts.
Truth: I'll probably just go and watch some more documentaries about food. I'm totally hooked.
12.20.2010
one hundred. sixty two.
Whenever I first show my Dad music, he doesn't like it.
It's not until the third or fourth time I play an artist that he begins to go: "Hey, who is this? I like this."
It's a process.
Now he enjoys Mumford & Sons.
Anyhow, tonight we went to the Crepe place.
I love crepes.
Especially dessert crepes with warm berries and chocolate.
I also had escargot for the first time. As far as I know, Escargot is cooked snails.
Yum?
It actually wasn't bad. It was served with a pesto-y kind of sauce, lots of garlic.
& do you know that the snow was just perfect tonight?
Well, it was.
The best way to beat over-eating during the holidays is to go sledding with friends on a hill of ice and grass, fall dramatically and hit your face on the ice.
Your jaw will be sore for days, making it completely impossible to enjoy large, delectable Christmas cookies and treats.
You will only be able to mash up grapes and eat them like a baby.
I do not speak from personal experience because I am as graceful as a lark and would never do something like fall on a hill of ice.
It's not until the third or fourth time I play an artist that he begins to go: "Hey, who is this? I like this."
It's a process.
Now he enjoys Mumford & Sons.
Anyhow, tonight we went to the Crepe place.
I love crepes.
Especially dessert crepes with warm berries and chocolate.
I also had escargot for the first time. As far as I know, Escargot is cooked snails.
Yum?
It actually wasn't bad. It was served with a pesto-y kind of sauce, lots of garlic.
& do you know that the snow was just perfect tonight?
Well, it was.
The best way to beat over-eating during the holidays is to go sledding with friends on a hill of ice and grass, fall dramatically and hit your face on the ice.
Your jaw will be sore for days, making it completely impossible to enjoy large, delectable Christmas cookies and treats.
You will only be able to mash up grapes and eat them like a baby.
I do not speak from personal experience because I am as graceful as a lark and would never do something like fall on a hill of ice.
12.16.2010
one hundred. sixty one.
Today a man sat in a leather chair in the coffee shop, talking to his friend.
He slowly slid down until half his body was off the chair, his butt hanging off the edge, his head squashed into his shoulder, neck completely gone.
His arms hung limply over the edge, as if useless and attached only by small pins, like a marionette someone had just dropped on the chair.
It was a funny thing.
He was also talking in a different language, which made the whole situation more interesting to observe.
Today I dropped a pitcher on the ground.
[Typical.]
I was serving a man coffee and my elbow just knocked it right off the counter.
The man took his coffee, and then said "Good luck. We're all rooting for you."
It was a funny thing.
That was the same man who came in before he'd had his coffee, and said in all seriousness: "Hi, I need a large coffee with cream for room."
"Cream for room?" I repeated.
"Yes, cream for room." He still didn't realize what he was saying.
I got him the coffee with the room and he didn't even realize it until he was about to walk out the door.
"ROOM. FOR. CREAM." He hollered.
It was a funny thing.
He slowly slid down until half his body was off the chair, his butt hanging off the edge, his head squashed into his shoulder, neck completely gone.
His arms hung limply over the edge, as if useless and attached only by small pins, like a marionette someone had just dropped on the chair.
It was a funny thing.
He was also talking in a different language, which made the whole situation more interesting to observe.
Today I dropped a pitcher on the ground.
[Typical.]
I was serving a man coffee and my elbow just knocked it right off the counter.
The man took his coffee, and then said "Good luck. We're all rooting for you."
It was a funny thing.
That was the same man who came in before he'd had his coffee, and said in all seriousness: "Hi, I need a large coffee with cream for room."
"Cream for room?" I repeated.
"Yes, cream for room." He still didn't realize what he was saying.
I got him the coffee with the room and he didn't even realize it until he was about to walk out the door.
"ROOM. FOR. CREAM." He hollered.
It was a funny thing.
12.12.2010
one hundred. sixty.
Treacherous driving today.
The road between my work and my house is mostly in the middle of large, empty fields. This is soothing and lovely in the summer. When it snows it becomes a frozen tundra of danger. Snowbanks are picked up by the wind and place directly in the middle of my lane so that I'm forced to either barrel through and risk my little Honda getting stuck or go in the other lane and risk getting hit head on by an SUV that's still doing 60 mph in the blizzard.
I would rather be riding my bike in Ireland.
White Elephant gifts given thus far:
Crocheted coffee sleeves.
Notecards.
More crocheted coffee sleeves [I'm trying to combine creative with thrifty].
A toy piano.
White Elephant gifts received:
A ceramic Santa
A plastic dolphin cookie jar that makes dolphin noises when you open the lid. Genius.
Clearly, I've got the better end of the deal.
Other things I've been doing with my time:
The road between my work and my house is mostly in the middle of large, empty fields. This is soothing and lovely in the summer. When it snows it becomes a frozen tundra of danger. Snowbanks are picked up by the wind and place directly in the middle of my lane so that I'm forced to either barrel through and risk my little Honda getting stuck or go in the other lane and risk getting hit head on by an SUV that's still doing 60 mph in the blizzard.
I would rather be riding my bike in Ireland.
White Elephant gifts given thus far:
Crocheted coffee sleeves.
Notecards.
More crocheted coffee sleeves [I'm trying to combine creative with thrifty].
A toy piano.
White Elephant gifts received:
A ceramic Santa
A plastic dolphin cookie jar that makes dolphin noises when you open the lid. Genius.
Clearly, I've got the better end of the deal.
Other things I've been doing with my time:
 |
| Part-time Mrs. Claus - spreading some holiday cheer. |
12.10.2010
one hundred. fifty nine.
Lets go walking on a frozen lake.
Yes?
We'll try to hold each other up
But we'll both fall down
And the wind will sweep us away.
[afterwards we can get hot chocolate with extra whipped cream.]
Every morning this past week I've gotten in my car and rocked out to "Down in the Valley" by The Head and the Heart. If my brother heard that song, he would say that it wasn't a song you could rock out to, but I'd have to disagree. There is much rocking out, mostly towards the end. Chris thinks you can only rock out to "Livin' on a Prayer."
Anyhow, so I listen to that whole album over and over again.
I tend to do that.
I'll get stuck on a song/album and listen to nothing else for weeks
Until I get nearly sick of it.
In fact, right now I am listening to "Sounds Like Hallelujah."
Their music makes me want to go on a road trip with Tai and my dog.
Done.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party tonight
Open Mic night tomorrow night
Storytime with children on Sunday & setting up the tree with family,Chris and his girlfriend.
This season is so busy. I kind of just want to sit and watch Meet Me in St. Louis and eat stacks of holiday cookies.
Yes?
We'll try to hold each other up
But we'll both fall down
And the wind will sweep us away.
[afterwards we can get hot chocolate with extra whipped cream.]
Every morning this past week I've gotten in my car and rocked out to "Down in the Valley" by The Head and the Heart. If my brother heard that song, he would say that it wasn't a song you could rock out to, but I'd have to disagree. There is much rocking out, mostly towards the end. Chris thinks you can only rock out to "Livin' on a Prayer."
Anyhow, so I listen to that whole album over and over again.
I tend to do that.
I'll get stuck on a song/album and listen to nothing else for weeks
Until I get nearly sick of it.
In fact, right now I am listening to "Sounds Like Hallelujah."
Their music makes me want to go on a road trip with Tai and my dog.
Done.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party tonight
Open Mic night tomorrow night
Storytime with children on Sunday & setting up the tree with family,Chris and his girlfriend.
This season is so busy. I kind of just want to sit and watch Meet Me in St. Louis and eat stacks of holiday cookies.
12.05.2010
one hundred. fifty eight.
Went to the Christmas Parade in my little town yesterday.
Tai and I were probably 2 out of 50 people. Apparently they don't have a huge turnout.
The weather was perfect, though. Lightly snowing. We bundled up in various knitwear and stood on the streets to wave to Santa who traveled to our town on the back of the fire truck.
There was also a marching band, some Siberian Huskies and a police car.
An extravagant event.
I love my little town & my simple life.
Tai and I walked back and talked about how fortunate we were.
At work there is a humorous guy who sits in the corner with his tea and watches what everyone does.
[kind of like something I would do]
He claims that he is going to write a book about all the things that happen in a coffee shop.
[kind of like something I would do]
After a strange customer comes in, or I drop something, or anything noteworthy happens, I look over at him to see if he saw it.
He often does.
Then he'll wave an imaginary pen in the air and shout out: "CHAPTER 23!"
Hilarious.
We've got a lot of chapters. Probably a whole chapter dedicated to things that Tina has dropped on the ground.
At work there is a humorous guy who sits in the corner with his tea and watches what everyone does.
[kind of like something I would do]
He claims that he is going to write a book about all the things that happen in a coffee shop.
[kind of like something I would do]
After a strange customer comes in, or I drop something, or anything noteworthy happens, I look over at him to see if he saw it.
He often does.
Then he'll wave an imaginary pen in the air and shout out: "CHAPTER 23!"
Hilarious.
We've got a lot of chapters. Probably a whole chapter dedicated to things that Tina has dropped on the ground.
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