Come and Gone

Another Christmas has come and gone. It was a good one. I was at home from Tuesday till Saturday. That's a long time for me. I have a hard time making the adjustment from having my own space to having people around all the time. I actually get somewhat anxious. It's hard to explain. It's not that I don't like being home - I love it. I just have to learn to better adjust to change.

But let's talk Christmas. The best part of Christmas is buying people gifts. I truly love it - one of my favorite things. The morning started off wonderful...I woke up and was told I could like the bowl of brownie batter. Heavenly. I got a lot of stuff this year. I was going to take a picture of it all BUT since I already put everything away I'll just write a list of what I got instead of taking it all out once again. It was more than what I deserve, and I appreciate everything. Be ready for a long, lengthy list: Sony speakers and alarm clock for my iPod, Digital picture frame complete with pictures reminding me of some awesome times, a duffle bag, water bottle, pajamas and related, sharpie markers, pens, toilet get!, a picture of a house (thanks Cory), A "ski day", Season 3 of One Tree Hill, digital camera, camera case, wireless headset for my cell, under armour long johns, sweat pants, hoodie, presentation mouse, fire starting matches, hell's kitchen for the wii, Quelf, bath poof, memory card, bag, and dishes. My grandma got me a towel with my name stitched in - I love it. I also got some other stuff from other gatherings.

After three days of Christmas festivities, it's nice to finally have some down time. Today was actually the first time on the holidays that I've really just relaxed. It felt good. Tomorrow my mom is venturing to the city - it will be good to have company again. On Tuesday I leave for Minneapolis and am very excited. I hope the weather is favorable for driving, or I will be very sad. Get to watch the Sharks play on New Years Eve! Can't wait.

The reality that school starts again in a week makes me sad. It's going to be a busy couple of months and I just hope that I can keep it all together. I don't want to dwell on it too much now because I do have a few days to enjoy before snapping back to reality.

I owe thanks to a lot of people this Christmas. I know I'm not the easiest person to be with, but somehow there are a bunch of people who are willing to put up with me. I appreciate each and every one of them: Mom and Dad for all that they give. They would do anything for us but more importantly are there to share in our joys and lessen our worries. To Cory who always has a way of making me smile and laugh. In his own quiet way he always manages to brighten my day. Christine who is one of the best people to have fun with (even times I can't remember). Things wouldn't be the same without her. My Grandma who has the best, and funniest, insight into every situation. She entertains me and means the world to me. And to everyone else just for being there.

Time to make a packing list. I hope the weather holds out. Please.

Christmas Eve

I made it till Christmas without a chocolate advent Calendar to remind me just how many days there were to go. I guess that I am growing up. I came home yesterday. It's been a busy week and I really haven't relaxed yet. But I suck at relaxing so this is for the better.

Monday I braved the bitter cold air and thick mobs of stressed shoppers to get my own Christmas shopping finished. A major part of being able to enjoy shopping at this time of year is taking plenty of time to mentally prepare for the stresses that I knew that I would encounter. I didn't set time frames on any errand as I knew that there were many factors that were changeable. Despite traffic jams in the parking lots, turning lights that are too short, and long walks in the frosty temperatures, I was able to enjoy myself. I was successful and it really got me more excited for Christmas. It was a day-long event and the evening was spent wrapping. Wrapping is always enjoyable though. It's systematic, and I like systems.

Yesterday I loaded up my car, which took more than a handful of trips, and headed home. I was treated to supper from my wonderful parents and then proceeded to the arena to watch Cory play hockey. The game was stressing, but like always, I coped and enjoyed myself.

Today I was greeted in the morning with a lovely migraine. They seem to make themselves known during the times when I finally take time to unwind. Holidays wouldn't really be complete without a pounding head. I don't mind though. It serves as a reminder to relax. A migraine is the worst of my health worries, meaning I have it amazingly good. After a healthy sleep I went to town with my mom to finish up some grocery shopping.

I decided I would cook supper this Christmas Eve. Tradition used to have it that Cory and I would make pizza on Christmas Eve. That was long ago, when home was the only place he had to be. I miss those times, but change is okay. We have grown up, I guess that happens. The food has become more sophisticated too. I made some wrapped chicken with vegetable fried rice. Me and my dad had Garlic and Cheese Hot dip with flat bread for an appetizer. Yum. It turned out. There are two good things about cooking at home. First, there are people for which I can cook. Second, there is someone to wash the dishes. That makes the whole job that much more enjoyable. We just finished playing Wizard. I lost. I hate losing, but I guess I can really only do better next time.

As I sit at home and complain about being bored I am reminded that bored is a good thing. I really appreciate having now worries. I have my family with me who have shown me what it is like to be cared and loved for. We are healthy, able to laugh, and enjoy one anothers company. I know that there are people who aren't able to enjoy Christmas because of the situations they are forced to deal with. Time is precious and shouldn't be taken for granted. I hope for a moment of peace and hope for all those people who are dealing with unfavorable situations. As I greet Christmas morning with smiles and anticipation, I realize that there are many who will not.

I'm tired now. I think I need to sleep. Tomorrow is Christmas. Crazy how fast it comes and goes. At least I'll have pictures to post, and maybe some video footage. Should be a relaxing day. Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Like a kid

I get excited for Christmas. Just like a kid. I am already having a hard time sleeping. Well that's partly due to excitement and partly due to my ignorant neighbours. It appears as though they have left for the weekend...or longer...yet they have their alarm set. The past two mornings it has gone off at 6:50 and has continue to pulse loudly until about 7:30. I have never heard it before, but it sure makes sleeping in hard. Hopefully it doesn't stay like this for the entirety of the holidays. I would then do some balcony hopping to break in and turn it off.

I found the Grinch movie. Actually it turns out it was at Blockbuster AND Zellers, I just overlooked it. I guess I'm not as observant as I would like to think. I watched it though, and it was worth the hunt and frustration.

Tomorrow I'm off to the mall to hopefully put an end to the Christmas shopping. I am disappointed with my lack of preparation this year. I have two days to pull it all together. I have a list now though, which should aid in my search.

Laughing is fun. Except when your oblique muscles are injured. I'm pretty sure that's an after effect from the slip on the Zellers parking lot. Larry the Cable Guy is funny. Here's some Christmas cheer.

I made it.

It appears that I made it till Christmas holidays. I'm ecstatic. I managed to finish ALL my marking before I left. I also ensured that I was ready for the up and coming math units. That takes a huge load off of me for the holidays. Perhaps this means I'll have time to enjoy the next two weeks. When we get back, its three weeks left in the semester and then finals. Im so ready for that change. Things are looking good.

I'm sitting here in the dark, listening to my music, and sipping on a white chocolate mocha. It's relaxing and refreshing at the same time. This morning I had this craving to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After school I ventured out to Blockbuster, but was unsuccessful in my search. I also made my way to Zellers, another video store, and a different Blockbuster. Again, no positive results. I love that movie. Im going to find it and I must watch it before Christmas.

I feel like a criminal. Last weekend was what it was. I knew I didn't pay my tab and it's been nagging at me all week. Finally today I got the news that they too realized I didn't pay my tab. Good thing I have such a caring brother to take care of such things for me. It was completely unintentional, I just feel like such a tool. Next time I'll put a down payment before entering. Not a bad plan.

Just because the holidays are here, doesn't mean that my "To-Do" lists have ended. As a matter of fact I have a holiday "To-Do" list. I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping. I need to wrap gifts. I need to go through my closet and part with the clothes that no longer fit. I need to get pictures printed and then put them in albums. I thought of something else today as I was walking through Zellers, but at the time, can't remember what that was. Think..think...think. Nope, it's not coming to me.

Well I'm going to crawl under my electric blanket and let my mind unwind. I played some serious Dutch Blitz today in school and my arm actually hurts. Then as I was walking into Zellers I was inches away from landing on my ass in front of the store. My body managed to contort in a way that enabled me to stay on my feet, but my back now hurts. The couch and heat should feel good. I'll even build a fire. Tonight will be a pressure free sleep. I'm looking forward to it.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss

Craziness

This was supposed to happen about 2 days ago. I'm late in posting, and am tired. I think I've been on the go since the start of last week. There hasn't been much down time, well a little on Sunday, but I felt like shit so that doesn't count. I haven't watched prime time television in about 2 weeks. I miss it. I'm going to do that come holidays.

So my brother had another birthday. I guess that happens once a year. I remember this time last year. Some things seem exactly the same as they did then. He's still one of the most important people to me. If I had to choose one person that I knew I could have fun with, I know that he would be the one. He makes me laugh, smile, and find the joy that sometimes seems to be missing. No matter what he goes through or is dealing with, he still makes sure that those around him are taken care of. I appreciate his willingness to listen to my rambles. He always has the words that make things seem a little bit better. We've created our share of good times the last year. He's proven to be quite the singer, especially in the comfort of his own home. I look for a performance in the near future. I'm sure I could speak for a lot of people when I say that Cory has been nothing but a great friend to me. He deserves nothing but the best, cause he has been the best. Happy Birthday Bro! Cheers to you!

We were able to celebrate the birthday Saturday night. They were supposed to play hockey, but it got postponed due to inclement weather. Not sure that was a good thing. We may have had too much time to celebrate. I think I may have celebrated too much. I've had some good times in the past while, but Id venture to say this may have topped them all. The pictures were a good reminder of the night's events. And a video made an appearance. I'll keep that under wraps though.

I had so many clever things to say, but alas, I forget them all. We have a short basketball practice tomorrow but hopefully the evening leaves some time for me. I think I'd like that. Goodnight.

It's Cold Outside...and Inside

Can you believe that this is the first year I haven't had a chocolate countdown calendar in a long long time. For as many years as I can remember, I've had my chocolate calendar...but not this year. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure that my parents don't have a Christmas tree yet...hmm...if someone reads this...please get a tree!! Even if it means putting up the fake one! Christmas wouldn't be the same...

The weekend went by at a rapid pace. I managed to stay busy once again. Between hockey games and shopping there wasn't a whole lot of spare time. I just realized I have two weekends left to shop, and this weekend probably won't work. I might be looking for stuff Christmas Eve - which really isn't like me at all.

Speaking of the weekend, I was reminded that negativity is dangerous disease. It causes headaches. I don't like to hear constant complaining. I often complain (especially when leaving the land of rules), but I try to do a lot of it internally. I swear and cuss in my mind. Not everybody needs to be brought down when I am battling a bad attitude. Apparently some people don't care about such. They like to think and believe the worst. Those people don't realize that they are taking up precious time from those around them.

Speaking of precious time, I feel like I don't have enough. (Oh man, here I just talked about negativity and complaining...but that's really all I'm doing now. I'll try to change the tone). Now that basketball has started I won't have as many evenings to myself and my work. I never finish what I intend. Just tonight, for example, I had to kick myself in the ass and force myself to spend an hour marking before I lay on the couch. I didn't get far enough. I suppose that it will all work out. It always does.

Speaking of asses, I know of a few. Not many though, and for that I'm thankful!

Speaking of thankful, I'm happy that there are only 8 school days left till the holidays. A break will be good. Christmas will be good. Time to sleep in, be in sweats all day long, and stay up late if I so desire. I could never forget about my New Years date with Thornton and Marleau.

Speaking of sweats, I'm happy that I own a few pairs. I am too stubborn to turn on the heat and they are one of my primary sources of warmth. That and blankets. On special occasions I even light candles to get some heat that way. I love that I could warm the place up with the flick of a switch, but that I've set my mind up to have no heat and refuse to cave in.

Speaking of caving in, I think it's time for me to rest.

The concert last night was quite fantastic. I enjoyed myself...and the music. My camera doesn't work well under those conditions, but I still took pictures. Here's the least junky of the bunch...

13 days

13 school days left till the holidays. I can make it?!? . Actually I'm not too sure but I'll keep trying to fool myself into believing. One day at a time.

I'll get ready to go to the concert tonight. I really have work to get done, but I guess that can wait another day. This is one of those times to try and enjoy myself. I've got my hoody on - I'm ready to roll. I'll even be brave and take my camera - maybe I'll have pictures to post. It's time.

On a positive note - the basketball game for next Wednesday got cancelled! That means we'll actually be able to have more than one practice before our first game. And we need practice.