And on earth: peace, goodwill towards men - a defiantly Christmas-y MMP

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
21

I’m so sorry, {{{meli}}}.

Great OP, Haze. You really are a wonderful writer. My family growing up was always involved in our church (very liberal Protestant) so I did lots of kids’ pageants and stuff, and we always had lots of holiday festivities. I’m not a churchgoer these days, and with no young kids at home it’s just not as much fun.

I just thought of a cute Christmas story to tell to embarrass snowbunny. When she was about 5 or 6, she desperately wanted Santa to bring her a bicycle for Christmas. We were living in an apartment, and we hid the bicycle out on the porch, and then wrapped up and included in her gifts was a bicycle lock. She opened the lock – and promptly broke into tears: “It’s not FAIR to give me a bicycle lock when I don’t have a bicycle!” :smiley: Yeah, she kinda missed the whole point of the exercise…

And speaking of Christmas memories, that also reminds me of our neighbors downstairs from us in that apartment. They would put their (formerly live, now very dead) Christmas tree out on their (very tiny apartment-sized) patio – and then leave it there. For months. I remember the last year, when we moved out in April, it was still there. Talk about a fire hazard! Especially considering the fact that they used their barbecue grill nearly daily (this was in San Antonio), and as best we could tell used chunks of old rubber tires as fuel in their grill. We spent months with one finger on 911 until we moved out, just waiting for the place to go up like – tah dah – a Christmas tree. :rolleyes:

Pointless reminiscing this morning. But it’s fun to think of Christmases past and the good memories. Speaking of which, I need to load “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on my iPod and listen to it – my dad always had that playing on the record player when we came down Christmas morning. I love that silly operetta!

22

{{{{{{{{{**meli and family (which includes McCello)}}}}}}}}**

Li-Li - which part did you find “awesome”? I’m curious.

23

Good morning to all. A very nice MMP, Hazel; you captured my sentiments, exactly. I also love that passage in the Bible and I love how Linus says the lines. I am also struggling a bit with the Christmas spirit this year–it feels old and tired, stale, to me this year. I know what it is, and I know what I need to do, I hope I have the courage to see it through. I keep thinking, if only it would snow, it would lift me out of myself. I don’t know what it is, but something about snow at Christmas makes me hopeful with a deep happiness inside. I get that when it snows anytime, but it is stronger at Christmas. Probably only nostalgia…

I am off to make crab fondue (a tradition, with crab legs, salad and French bread) for Xmas Eve dinner; and make the dough for the Christmas Day Tree (coffee cake).

I hope all here have a happy Christmas, whatever that means to you. I do want to know what Santa brings all of you, so don’t disappear entirely!
(need a Santa smiley)

24

Here’s recipe for you all to try
Tequila Christmas Cake

1 cup water
1 tsp… baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 tsp… salt
1 cup of brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Sample the tequila to check quality. (Repeat a few times. One can never be too sure.)
Take a large bowl, check the tequila again.
To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer.
Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point its best to make sure the tequila is still OK.
Try another cup…just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit up off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something.
Check the tequila.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.
Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don’t forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window.
Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the trowel
CHERRY MISTMAS!

25

Look, a Christmas Miracle!
(Or at least, it’s a day off and I thought of the MMP before Thursday.)

First, let me say that I miss you guys! But not only am I kept very busy at work, internet use is strictly monitored. And then, by the time I get home, I’m tired, I’m cranky, and I don’t want to look at the computer anymore–which, I know, is not an acceptable excuse. :slight_smile:

Secondly, a brief update–I’ve been working in the new job for about four months, and I no longer feel like I’m drowning every day. I have a much better handle on what goes on and what part I have in it, and while it’s not the best job I’ve ever had, I don’t hate it yet, and that’s something. Roomie got a job earlier this month, so we’re both earning money again, and even managed to buy Christmas presents, rather than just food and shelter. The pets are healthy and mostly happy, although we had to send Big Fat Chunk to live with Roomie’s Mom, since he was so afraid of the dog that he wouldn’t come out of the bedroom for eight months and pretty much peed all over everything Roomie owned. He’s doing well in his new digs, and while we miss him, it’s nice not to hear Roomie dragging her bedding to the washing machine at two o’clock every other morning.

I’m off work today, which is a nice change from pretty much every other company I’ve ever worked for, and Roomie will be getting home in an hour or so and we’ll probably go to the movies. I’m in a bit of my usual Christmas Eve funk, but I’ll get over it by midafternoon, I’m sure. I definitely agree that Christmas kind of snuck up this year–I feel like it was summer just last week.

So, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Chappy (Belated) Chanukah, Joyous Solstice, and everything else to all. Hopefully, this marks my regular return to the MMP, but I’m not making any promises until I see what next week–or even tomorrow–brings. I’ve brought an extra supply of hugs, kisses, sympathies, happy birthdays, and congratulations for all the things I’ve missed in the last few months. I’ll leave them here, right under the tree, and you can collect to your heart’s content. Because now, I have to go drink a mimosa and watch Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. :smiley:

26

Naah, that doesn’t embarass me, MamaTigs. I now think that story is hilarious. And I remember that bike well – pink, of course, with a banana seat!

{{{{{meli and family}}}}}

It’s snowing! It’s supposed to stop later, though, which is good because there’s going to be various festivities including an ice show later where I work. And then free skating afterwards! I’ve never skated outdoors. I will deal with the rental skates for once because it’s a bit late to get my own sent out here for today (hint hint) and I don’t think I’ll last long out there anyway. Should be fun, anyway.

27

That part.
Drat. On the down side, we think we’re going to have to take Bailey to the vet soon, with money we don’t actually have. For a couple of years he’s had a vet-baffling discharge from his ears. He’s had several hundred dollars worth of tests run- it’s not mites, it doesn’t seem to be bacteria or viral infection or anything- and so we just use warm water or vet-mandated oil stuff to clean his ears out a couple of times a week.

Which is a joy, as I’m sure you can imagine.

And (TMI! TMI!) now it’s got some blood in it, and is mucus-y, and his ears are gross much faster than they have been. So we’re probably going to have to take him in next week for more tests. Which we seriously can’t afford. And which, when last performed, yielded nothing. Which is depressing.

Argh.
I don’t want the cat to suffer, I do want him to get well, but it feels like setting fire to money that we desparately need for us and the baby.

28

::waves ecstatically::
Hi Drae!

29

Sorry; forgot to say this earlier: I’m so sorry for your loss,** meli.**
Non sequitir:
Hey, there, Draelin! How’s the belltower?

30

Merry Christmas everyone! That was a truly nice OP Haze.

I’m sorry so sorry about Meli’s grandfather. Please pass along my condolences.

I’ve found as I’ve gotten older that I just don’t enjoy Christmas like I used to. From the time I was a kid forward, I’ve always had this vague sense of disappointment about it. No, it wasn’t because I didn’t get “the present”. I’ve gotten several of those. I don’t know, it’s just not easily described, I guess. I try to view as a time when people are nicer to each other, but that’s about it.

I like to try and take some time to myself, late at night, with the Christmas tree lit, the house clean, and everything prepared to just try and enjoy the feeling of it. I try to let the feeling of the season seep into me, inhaling the aroma of the tree, and enjoying just a brief respite from the all hectic activity. I’m sure my time will be around midnight tonight.

To be fair, I enjoyed it immensely when my kids were little. I just loved their expressions of joy upon opening presents from us, the hugs, the kisses, and their general sense of excitement about the whole thing. Of course, they’re older now, and somewhat jaded about the whole thing. They still take the time to pick out nice presents for each other, and buy us something. They’ve done that since they were little, with no prodding from us. They do have a great generosity of spirit and giving. I really love that about them.

I’m not a “church” person either. I think the last time I was in a church was for a wedding many, many years ago. I was baptized Catholic, but never made it to first communion. So, I guess I’m not really Catholic.

I’m not sure what I believe, but I do believe in living by the Golden Rule and trying to be the best person I can be. I don’t always succeed, but I do try.

Well, the sweet taters are in the oven. Once they’re out and cooled, I’ll prepare the sweet potato casserole I need to take to MIL’s place today. I need to do a bit of laundry, and finish cleaning. I pretty much just want to worry about food preparation and cleanup tomorrow. I’m having the family come around 3:00 pm, so hopefully, I’ll get just a little moment of peace before they arrive.

I had to laugh yesterday and this morning. Mr. Taters is desparately trying to get me to exchange our gifts to each other. Yesterday, he pointed out that my son’s friend’s family had already exchanged their gifts. I told him “Too bad, we’re not doing that”. This morning, he came down the stairs trying to get us to exchange gifts again, and proposing that we let the kids open one of their gifts. My answer was stilll a firm, solid no.

Ooh, I just realized, I need to charge up the camcorder battery. I guess I’ll need to make sure that’s charged and ready to go for tomorrow. You see, we bought the dog a gift and wrapped it up. He has this thing about squirrels. He goes absolutely nuts when he sees them atop our fence. If you even say the word “squirrel” he goes into a barking frenzy. So, I bought him a stuffed squirrel for Christmas. It’s a bonafide dog toy, so not to worry. He is absolutely hilarious when we give him a present. He knows how to unwrap them too. He provides us with many giggles and laughs, and I want to get it on camera this year.

I need to get a second cup of joe.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL! MAY YOU ALL FIND PEACE AND
HAPPINESS WITHIN YOURSELVES AND YOUR FAMILIES IN THE NEW YEAR!

31

funy video of puppy opening present? YouTu-uu-uu-uube!

32

Glad you guys enjoyed the OP! :slight_smile: And thanks, everyone, for sharing Christmas-y feelings and memories and such. I’m glad there is at least one place where I don’t have to feel apologetic about feeling sappy about Christmas. I know quite a few of us aren’t having the best Christmases of our lives, but still - I hope everyone is able to find a moment of peace during the holidays. And you know, things could always be worse. :slight_smile:

Taters, I was always begging my mom to let us open presents early. Sometimes she’d relent and let us open just one on Christmas Eve. Apparently Mr. Taters is an eight-year-old at heart, heh.

Li-Li, I’m sorry to hear about your kitty. I hope you’re not forced to make any painful decisions regarding its well-being. :frowning:

meli, I’m so sorry for your loss - you and your family will be in my prayers.

This is going to sound really, really weird, but I have the sudden urge to go out and buy myself some stockings and a garter belt. My grandmother sent us some money as a Christmas gift, and I’ve wanted to indulge myself by getting something really frivolous for once. Yes, I am a strange, strange girl.

33

{{{meli}}} I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I’m sneakin’ in a post from sis’s 'puter. She says hi!

BioRosie that’s my kind of cake! :smiley:

Look! It’s Drae! Howdy Drae!!! MWAH

34

haze, thanks for saying all that. I think we have been cheating ourselves by turning Christmas into something vague and homogenized. I welcome any and all philistines to join in the celebration! :wink:

My childhood Christmases were a mixed bag but what always stands out was the great fun of gathering together.

meli, my sincere condolences. It’s never easy, but this is a tough time of year to lose a loved one.

I just turned off my pumpkin marble cheesecake. Hopefully it won’t crack. So far so good. That’s it for traditional fair. The rest is going to be more like late summer barbacue.

Good to see ya, drae!

Well, time to go clean up and head over to BarbeeDoll’s house for the traditional Christmas Eve feast. I hope everyone has a lovely and merry Christmas!

35

How did I miss **Drae ** when I posted earlier?! I’m so pleased to see you popped in!

I have taken my shower, removed the sweet potato casserole from the oven, dusted the great room, sorted through tons of stuff that I just kept putting away, and now have a shred pile and a recycle pile.

Tonight, when we come home from MIL’s I’ll finish dusting and vacucming (argh! I can’t remember how to spell it! nothing looks right), scrub powder room, and wash the floors. I’ve decided to forego steamcleaning the carpets. Screw it, while they’re not awful, it’s just that I’ve always steamcleaned before Christmas.
No biggie.

I should finish cleaning myself up and goad the kids into cleaning up. We have to leave in less than an hour and a half.

36

vacuuming :slight_smile:

37

This from someone who’s eating Christmas fair. :stuck_out_tongue:

Just checkin’ in to say… beer good… nachos good… sis… slave driver but gives beer… so sis good. :smiley:

38

:smack:… and I added a “c” where it didn’t belong. This is what happens when I post without wearing my specs.

Can’t I just stay home? Pleeeeaaaasssse? I’ll even be good and have the house shining and spotless before the rest of the family returns home. No? Damn, I didn’t think so.

**Mr. Taters ** went to the liquor store awhile ago to pick up some booze for tomorrow. I was hoping he’d come home with vodka. He returned with a fifth of some whiskey. I’m not much of a whiskey fan. It’s supposed to be good stuff, it was even the “official” whiskey of the Kentucky Derby. I, however, was not all that impressed. Oh well, it’s something different.

I should finish cleaning up.

39

I’m ready–why isn’t it time yet? I am too efficent, I tell ya.

I’ve even lit the candles. I like candles at Christmas–non scented ones, that is. I’m now reading The New Yorker. It’s peaceful.

40

For those of you wondering, I’m not spending Christmas with That Guy and his family; as a sort of compromise between my stupid self and my reasonable self, I’m having dinner with him and his brother and his dad (his parents are divorced) tonight. I almost decided against that as well, but I’m feeling terribly homesick and I’d just rather not be by myself if I can help it.

But I’ll behave myself, I promise.

I wish it would snow. There is still snow on the ground so I suppose that technically it’s a white Christmas, but it’s a rather blah white Christmas.

I also wish I were a cat today, and sleep a blissful sleep until Christmas is over. Ah well. Despite it all I am determined to be merry.