Ring in the new

It's awfully quiet. The hall light lends a little warmth to the apartment, while the stove light sets something of a mood. The fridge kicks off. Wow, it's even quieter than before. This isn't where I want to be. And the sad part is I don't know where I DO want to be. Just not here. I don't really care about what's happening on this episode of NCIS. I'm tired of checking my watch to see if I can justify just going to bed and skipping the "festivities." For someone who knows a lot of people, it seems like I don't. I'm not sure what it is about me, but I don't think I really stick. People remember people that talk loud or walk loud or dress loud or act loud. I talk not so much or so loud, I don't strive to be the center of attention, and in being the nice person who talks to everyone, it sometimes feel like I'm not talking to anyone at all. Am I homesick? Do I just lack the courage to walk 50 yards and peek in at a party? There's probably enough people there I won't even be noticed. I'll go in just a minute. I've been saying that since 8:30. I'm sure time will pass quickly once I get there. Arrive in time to mingle a little, not so early that I run out of people to talk to, countdown, go home. Empty apartments. I got used to it over the summer. It was pretty nice, too. But getting used to it didn't mean I had a life. And as much of a social life I had last year, I haven't seemed to do much this year in improving it. I know, most of my friends are still at home for the holidays. I usually would be. Even that was not as fun last year. No fun to be stuck behind when all your friends have moved on to "real" life. By the way, this couch is ridiculously static-y. I feel like a 3 year old towhead whose hair is sticking straight up. Or out. I'm mustering my courage. I've got a bottle of bubbly... that could help. (Don't worry, it's non-alcoholic of course). A Christmas gift from work. It's just that I haven't had anyone to share it with since I got it. And alcohol or no, you should never drink alone. Ireland showed me that-- it's a social thing. Doesn't matter if it's water, juice, or icky-smelling beer, it's a social thing. So I really can't open my bubbly yet. I think if I sit here typing long enough I'll get sick of my own company and leave just to get away from myself. Which, true, is what I need to do. And right now I feel a little more like I want to. Gotta fix the face. And the hair. I put my cute shirt on today just so I could wear it to this party tonight and look good. It's a great color and it's got a slenderizing effect. Can't beat that. My hair even turned out good this morning! I should go brush up. Must fix my eyes. 90 minutes. I think I can handle 90 minutes of a party. Well, plus the post-midnight events. I wonder if the band is still playing? Ok, I'm going to stop and go get ready. I am more than ready to welcome in a new year, and hopefully some new possibilities. 2008 was great: I graduated, got a real job, made an internationally performing dance team, and made some friends along the way. But divide that by 12 months and it seems a little short. This year I'll shoot for five cool things to remember.

Just noticed my quote of the day. It'll be gone later, so here it is. That's what I'm gonna go do.

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

(We got him to pose early for a picture)

Happy day for Christmas! I really can't believe that it's 10 days away. I remember growing up the sheer anticipation for that day... it totally built up for weeks and days that never seemed to end! Now it rushes in and rushes out like a breath of warm air in the wintery cold. In just a few days I will be back in Missouri with my family, and maybe I'll see a few of my old friends too. They are few and far between now, scattered around with busy lives, husbands, jobs, etc. It's amazing what a few years time will do! I remember coming back for Christmas my freshman year of college-- I'd gotten used to living with girls that smelled good and I realized for the first time that my house smelled distinctly of "boy." Chad was on his mission and we talked to him for a while. When missionaries are out the day mostly revolves around that beloved phone call. I think I take my brothers for granted a little too much these days; I should call them more often. Especially Chad. We got really close after his mission, going through similar experiences and sometimes being the only ones there for each other. LOL... those are stories for another day though.

One of my most memorable Christmases was back in Pennsylvania (and regrettably, I don't think I've ever written the story down before!). My four brothers were just a bit curious
to peek into the living room on Christmas mornings, and my parents were no fools. I must have been quite young-- maybe eight or nine-- the year this happened. Like always, we gathered in my parents' bedroom as early as we were allowed. Six a.m. seemed to be the perpetual compromise time. Back in those days I couldn't hardly stay in bed that long to wait to start Christmas! We came in our pajamas and crazy hair, impatiently waiting for Dad to fish out his trusty white sweatshirt and trying to convince Mom that she didn't need to look great for the day yet. We lined up in age order, youngest to oldest, and Mom led us out to the living room. She would always go in front, make us stop while she turned on the lights, then let us run in. This year she led us up, then stopped. In the dark house it was hard to tell what Santa had left in the living room. Once she turned on the hall light, we realized why it was so hard-- the entire entry had been covered over with dynamite paper! (Perks of having a dad who makes dynamite and randomly had two huge rolls of dynamite paper wrap.) We kids stood there for a good couple of seconds, completely befuddled by this turn of events. Mom and Dad played it off great, telling us Santa had wanted to make sure no one peeked at the presents. I wonder which one of them came up with the idea in the first place; I bet they were like kids as they put it up, relishing in playing a practical joke on their kids. Finally, we tore a hole in the paper to climb through and enjoyed our Christmas gifts.

I actually left out my favorite part of Christmas in that story. The best thing about Christmas in my family happens shortly after goading our parents and right before the processional march down the hall. We gather around my parents' bed and begin the day with a prayer. I'm not sure why, but Christmas mornings in their room feel different, even though we're usually in there for less than 10 minutes. (Ok, it's a little longer if you count the time it takes to get everybody in there and ready to pray). They way I remember it, the room feels very close, warm, and homey, like the cornerstrings of our hearts are gathered together for a few moments in a brief shadow of heaven on earth. Quiet blankets the room-- not just quiet, but true peace-- as we gather and acknowledge the real reason for Christmas. I'm really happy that I get to spend a few more Christmases at home as a grownup, because I never appreciated those moments as much as I do each year I get older.


These pictures are from an evening of ugly sweaters and turtlenecks, eggnog, and mistletoe-- an event termed Turtlenog by some creative people in the ward. Christmas is about family, but in college it's also about friends, or roommates that are as great as family. Besides, who doesn't like a little nogging and snogging? (Just because I called myself a grownup doesn't mean I always have to act like one. )

Merry Christmas!

Broom Hockey Pictures

Just in case you thought I was joking... welcome to the Processing Center!!

Broom Hockey-- brooms v. mops

Yes, I am playing barefoot. What you don't see in these pictures are the cold flurries that start up halfway through our game. Feet of steel.

Our ref wanted to throw his penalty flag

I happily volunterred to give him an opportunity to do so.

By far, the best action shot ever. Check out my dinky broom!

This is what the other team looked like as I made my line drive off the toss.

We made a mess.

Party in the House

[Disclaimer: I meant to post this on Thursday the 4th, when this event happened. I haven't changed anything because it sounds better in the present tense.]

Today for work we played field hockey in the grassy area north of the ASB… the field between the ASB and the Marriott center. Armed with brooms (our team) versus the sticks with paper “brooms” on the end, we faced off at the plunger, which marked the center field. Goals were the lovely Caution: Wet Floor signs. It was a pretty small field. Of course I wore my heels today… so after about 2 plays I ditched my shoes and hose. The grass was pretty cold. It got colder once wet flurries started falling. Our team won by 2 points—3-1. I had an awesome play at center field once the ref ( our division financial controller, Duane) threw the soccer ball. He threw it up and I had traded a teammate for a full-size broom. I raised it up and totally connected for a line drive to the goal. Sadly, the goalie (Leahmary) deflected it, but what a hit!

Someone took pictures of us… hopefully I can get my hands on some for ya. But yes, it was flurrying outside as I was running around barefoot swinging my broom. My feet were prickly numb as I walked back in. Don’t worry, I didn’t put my shoes on until I had thawed and cleaned my feet. Yes, I walked barefoot into the ASB. This is why Pres. Samuelson works on the 3^rd floor and we work in the basement. But, that is also where the party is always at.

December

I think I need to practice writing more creative titles. You know what I don't get, I don't get blogging. Not in the sense that I do it, to kinda update my family/friends about my life-- I don't get the bloggers that write something so incredible that hundreds of people read the blog daily and comment on it, etc. What's so special about what they write? And what are all those people doing who revolve their lives around reading other people's stories? It makes you wonder.

Clearly I don't have anything very profound to say tonight. I should mention how wonderful Thanksgiving was, spending a few days with my family in Missouri. I could handle an eternity of that, I think. Especially if we got to go shopping together! We went to the dollar store again this year to get gifts for the little boys, and it's always fun to see if there are fun toys that the "big" kids might like... and they make great spoof gifts! I also gifted myself a little early-- new boots, new purse, and new jeans. Really though, just the purse was a splurge, as the boots are good for winter church/work wear, and I've been needing new jeans for several months. Oh yes, I can rationalize with the best of them. Purses? Who doesn't need another purse or two? :)

Well, the evening has drawn nigh and probably well beyond that. Rest well, this cold December night.