Holiday Ramblings

My Christmas was joyful in most respects.  I received a weighted blanket.  I have wanted one for ages.  It really has helped with my sleep.  We got to spend time with my parents, which was nice.

I struggled with holiday spirit this year, and it left me when we got the call on Tuesday that my husband had a close contact test positive for COVID.  There was a mad scramble to get tested, which happened yesterday.  We're feeling great and awaiting results.  Not the restful week for me that it was supposed to be.

On the up side, Doctor Who marathon, lots of reading, GAMECOCK BOWL WIN!!!!  Tons of puppy snuggles and even the grumpy cat are bright spots this week as I stay at home and await results.

I don't think we're positive, but I am staying home until I know out of a concern for others.  I am grateful for supportive friends over the last couple of days.

As 2021 fades away, remember the good, treasure the special moments, and move forward with love.  

This prayer shared by a friend today has resonated with me.  I hope it does the same for you.

Christmas Ramblings

I survived another holiday season despite a valiant effort by a stomach flu to do me in. My rush into health came just in time for Christmas Eve. Christmas Day was spent with family, and I'm happy to report that nothing too traumatic occurred.

In between sleeping & feeling like a limp dishrag, I did manage to squeeze in a viewing of Twilight with a twelve year old girl borrowed from a friend (Okay, okay, it was part of her Christmas present!). It was interesting, as both she & I had read the book, and much discussion ensued. We concurred that we (naturally) like the book better, but our major issues were with casting. Bella was too flat while Edward's voice was much higher than either of us imagined while reading the book. We just looked at each other & started laughing when Edward walked into the sun. The effect was defnitely not what I imagined when reading the book & was truly quite comical to both of us. The first half of the movie had a rushed feeling that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it was the course of the relationship being different than in the book. I can't say I hated the movie, but it is not among my favorite vampire films (I'm now having trouble conceiving of Meyers' creations as vampires, as my image falls more in line with the old school Lugosi type vampire). I'm now reading the last book in the series, and that is driving the feeling more than the movie, I think.

Oooh, more Christmasy stuff! I managed to catch the Doctor Who Christmas Special -- The Next Doctor. While not quite what I originally envisioned upon hearing about the departure of David Tennant, it was quite enjoyable. There was an especially teary moment at the end. :)

All in all, a nice holiday filled with good fellowship with friends & family. Hope each of you had a joyful holiday.

Let the Christmas Season Begin...

The Christmas season officially kicked off this weekend with a holiday gathering on my father's side of the family. My grandmother's little farmhouse was packed to the rafters, and the merriment spilled onto the porch, meandering out into the yard. It was nice to catch up with family I haven't seen in a while, and the fun and frivolity helped get me in the Christmas spirit. I have two Christmas parties at work this week, so I'll definitely be feeling Christmasy by Friday. Which reminds me, I have to do my holiday shopping yet.

In addition, I'm preparing for a final on Tuesday, and the accompanying anxiety has prevented me from focusing my attention on the holiday season. So, world you'd better watch out on Wednesday, for it will be full on Christmas then.

Christmas & New Year's -- Better Late Than Never

This holiday season was one of the most relaxing I've had in years. Purchasing gifts was achieved in one day with only one loud "discussion" with the husband in the aisles. Unlike years past, we did not have to travel this year, which was wonderful. My brother & sister-in-law came down, and I was able to spend several hours with both my father and brother reminiscing. Now that a was a Christmas gift! Friends, family, and the husband showered me with gifts that will bring me happiness in the coming year, and the joy of spending time with friends always brings a smile to my heart during the holidays. One gift that did not come in a box, but I still treasure, was seeing a friend (who has historically not enjoyed the holidays) infused with the holiday spirit. Christmas Eve was spent quiety at home with the husband and the critters, and yes, Rock Band was involved! (There was new downloadable content!)

As for New Year's Eve, we broke with tradition, deciding not to plan anything special -- kind of a "let's sit back and see what happens" attitude, as we are the event planners in our circle of friends. As we predicted, nothing was planned, and we happily spent the evening at home, where we played Rock Band, watched movies, and just enjoyed each other's company. At midnight, we uncorked a lovely bottle of champagne (you do indeed get what you pay for in champagne!) and stood on our front porch watching the fireworks show the neighbors put on. Quiet but enjoyable. We watched movies together until 4 am, snuggling on the couch, an indulgence we engage in all too litle in recent months (but I'll correct that *wink*).

Something I sometimes forget is that I really do enjoy the simple things in life, like spending a holiday at home. It is so easy to enmesh myself in the bustle of the holidays and overplan. This holiday season reminded me again of the simple. Yes, a New Year's Eve celebration with friends would have been enjoyable, but reconnecting with the simple joy of celebrating a quiet New Year's with the husband and the critters revived my inner being. That is something for which I am truly grateful.