Christmas 2009

So, Christmas Eve.

I just need to say out loud, right now, that being able to wear short sleeves and drive with my sunroof open on December 24th without freezing to death will never, EVER, get old. That's all.

We all gathered at the George Ranch for a fun-filled evening of binge-eating and booze and a continuous flow of laughter that never seemed to end. It was just, a great time. I don't know how else to describe it other than in those simple words. Seeing smiles that seemed to be permanently glued to everyone's' faces was completely contagious and just sitting in a room full of people that I care about. There were (or seemed to be) mountains of presents and watching the young(er) kids tear through them is always fun... even when they do seem to take FOREVER.  Regardless, my cheeks still hurt from smiling and laughing when I woke up the next day so I'd have to say it was a success. Next year though, it going to be awesome. Not one, but TWO babies will be in the mix and the cuteness that will come out of that night will probably be enough to make my heart explode. Well, I've at least got a year to prepare for that.

It was easier this year, much easier than last. I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm around people who have the luxury of having their parents around them while I don't, but my family here more than compensates for it. I have to think of it like, at least I have them, these loving and caring people that put up with me regardless of what I do. That helps fill the aching void in my heart as I look over and see others lean against their Mom's for comfort or high-five their Dad's just because they can. It's really tough sometimes. Sometimes it seems unbearable but I think in some weird and twisted way, it makes me appreciate them even more than I already do. Maybe that doesn't sound right or make sense, but I guess that's how I look at it. Or have to look at it. I don't ever expect not being able to see them whenever I want to not bother me, that would be terrible. But I expect that as I get older, it will get easier. Leaving though, I believe will always be just as tough as the last time. That's just the way it all seems to work.

So I guess what I'm saying is that presents are nice. Gifts are great and I'm thankful for everything that I received but I think I'm finally at the point where I can appreciate the togetherness, unity and camaraderie I get just being in the same room as my family. For those few hours, I'm just able to feel pure and unadulterated happiness which could only be made better by my own parents being there. But since that's not (or wasn't a) option this year, it was the best Christmas gift I think I could have ever gotten.

hello, december.

december,december,december.

the month where all the festivities come out to play, people are (generally) in a good mood (most of the time), there's an abundance of food and drink and family time. warm, delicious and homey smells. cold weather (with no snow!!) and oh my birthday. i've just been struck with possible inspiration for said birthday so, we'll see how that plays out.

i'm trying to stay as stress free as i can, which is unusual during this time of the year for me. i tend to work myself up into such a high-strung stupor over the slightest things, but i made myself a promise that i wouldn't this time.  i'm going mostly diy on the gifts that i'm giving which has proven to be much more help in keeping my anxiety down than what i thought it could. i also think that because i know my mom will be here shortly after the new year for a couple days is keeping my emotions in check much more than last years' were. well, that and the fact that it is my second christmas away from my parents, and i think it's easier just in general. don't get me wrong, i loveloveLOVE my family here more than anything but it just sucks that there has to be an east and a west coast. that's all.

regardless, i've accepted the fact that the holiday's are different now than when i was a kid (for the obvious reasons, and then some) but i can still enjoy it. and look forward to it. plus, after a year of being very adult like, i think everyone deserves some time to act like a kid!

jingle bell rock & roll.

I just ordered the CUTEST CARDS I HAVE EVER SEEN off of Made By Girl. seriously, I don't think that I've been this stoked about something holiday themed in a long time. it's the first time I've ordered from them, but considering I already added about 20 other things into my cart, I don't think it'll be the last. I can't wait to get them!

this is gonna sound kinda silly.

Easter came and went, much like any other holiday that I've experienced within the last 9 months. Family, epic amounts of food and consumption of alcohol, a late night game of basketball (that included flashes of hockey, soccer and football if you can imagine. Generally, it was just a really fun time. I ate too much, drank more then I should have and was on a complete sugar high most of the day mostly due to the fact that H & I baked and decorated some 3 dozen-odd cupcakes the night previous. They turned out delicious though!

I was reminded (yet, again) how different holiday's are to me now. Surprise being that I actually LIKE them, and look forward to them. Before, it was all stress and commuting between a bunch of different places and not wanting to hurt feelings and..everything. It's not like that anymore, it's fun. I have a good time and just relax while enjoying everyones' company. Shouldn't it always be that way? Well, now it is. Score for me.

No new news on the job front - which is frightening. Well, to an extent. I was interviewed (twice!) and peed in a cup for them (drug testing - not because I wanted to - and yes, passed.) But, I don't know what they're doing with everything yet. I remember how chaotic it was when the Chrysler store was sold (back in my former life) and it took awhile for everything to work out. I'm sure this will go something more along the lines like that and hopefully, I'll stick it out and still be around to see the finish. I've got a decent feeling about it, but like I said, we just really don't know. But it was decided between K & I that if we lose our jobs, then we're going to Vegas. I hope it doesn't come to that (even though I'm itching to play some blackjack), but I'm just sayin'.

In a weeks time, I will be in Phoenix (Tempe, whatever) with Jacqueline, seeing Ms. Britney Jean Spears live when her Circus tour rolls into town. I'm so excited, even if I'll be there for what seems like a blink of an eye and that J has to work while I'm there. We'll spend some quality drunk bff time together Saturday night at least, and while it's not ideal - I guess I can deal with it.