All in the Family

When we sat down for dinner on Christmas, I noticed the many reminders of our family.

Our table and china were handed down from Husband’s grandma. The silverware was an anniversary gift from my grandma. The napkins were a Christmas gift from Husband’s mom. And my parents were gathered with us around our table for Christmas dinner.

It made me realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful family with us for Christmas and in spirit.

I hope you had a wonderful, family-filled Christmas, too!

Time Travel

Can someone explain to me how it was just Thanksgiving yesterday and this week it’s Christmas? I know that the holidays always seem to go by fast, but this year seems to be on warp speed. Further proof can be found here:

I realized when I saw this expiration yesterday that 2010 will be here probably before I’m ready for it.

Regardless, my parents arrive today, and I can’t wait! Then Husband and I can finally start devouring the cookies that we baked yesterday. We figured that a plate of crumbs wouldn’t look quite as impressive.

If I don’t post again before then, I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Deliveries

We usually give a small gift to a handful of military friends that live in our neighborhood, and today I made my deliveries. I almost forgot how much fun it is to stop by and offer our Christmas wishes. (I guess it’s like caroling, but thankfully, without the humiliation of me having to sing.)

Last year we did popcorn baskets, which were a big hit. The plastic bowls were only a couple bucks, and I just added a couple bags of microwave popcorn, popcorn seasoning, and some movie-theater candy.

This year the gifts were hot chocolate kits.

I found the containers at the dollar store, and I just added some hot chocolate and topped with marshmallows. The “stirrers” are peppermint sticks covered in chocolate. (Yum!) And now all of a sudden I’m craving hot chocolate…

Happy 5 days until Christmas!

Snuggie-licious

This weekend Husband and I went to a Christmas party, which included a gag gift exchange.

I had very low expectations about what we would get, as I’ve seen everything at these things from a broken watch to a bag of flour (which I suppose is at least somewhat practical).

But, to my surprise, we took this home:

We’re now the proud owners of a Snuggie. We were among the last people to choose our gift, which allowed “stealing” an already-opened gift. It wasn’t until I was able to pick a gift that I realized this strong, hidden desire to have a Snuggie. I became so ruthless that I “stole” two different Snuggies – including one from a pregnant woman! I should be ashamed. I’ll admit, though, that I was giddy when we got home and I tried it on. And this is one product that does not mislead in its advertising – it truly is a blanket with sleeves! It looks like an oversized wizard’s cloak, or a jumbo poncho. I realize I look like a total dork wearing it. In other words, it’s perfect.

Misplaced Giving

Husband and I recently went to a fundraising dinner at the town’s civic center. The dinner is an annual tradition in town, popular with all the locals, and I was intrigued enough to insist that we attend this year. I looked up the details online, and I read that there would be a collection of canned goods for the needy for the holidays. So I grabbed a can of green beans and a container of French’s onions from the pantry before we left. (I guess I inadvertently chose a “green-bean casserole” theme to my giving.) As we were approaching the building, I noticed that everyone else was arriving empty-handed. I saw a few people looking in my direction, probably wondering, “Who brings their own food to a catered dinner?” I knew all the awkwardness would end when I found the collection drop box inside. (But then again, I wouldn’t be writing this story, if it was just that easy.) There was no collection box to be found. I searched around the lobby, feeling more self-conscious about my armload, which had turned me quickly from “charitable giver” to “crazy lady.” Finally, I looked at Husband with desperation and said, “Where should I put these?” He then pointed to any empty table near the wall. “Just leave them here,” he said. I dropped them as fast as I could, like they were contaminated waste. I wondered during the dinner whether I misread the article, or if they forgot to bring the collection box. Later, on our way out of the dinner, we spotted my lone canned goods on the empty table. Husband just smiled and said, “that is just so you.” I wasn’t sure if he meant the trying to give part or the awkwardness. Probably the awkwardness.

Communication Differences

I asked Husband to get updated addresses for a couple of his military friends, so we could send them Christmas cards. And with this simple task, I realized how different how different our communication styles are. I e-mailed a few of my friends for their updated addresses, and here’s a sample of my e-mail: Hi [friend’s name]! Long time no talk! How are things in [friend’s state]? How’s [spouse’s name]? I just started a new job a few months ago, and it’s going really well! I’ve gotten to travel a bit, which has been fun. My husband's family came to visit us for Thanksgiving, and we had a great time. My parents are visiting for Christmas, and I’m looking forward to that. By the way, what is your current mailing address? I couldn’t remember if you were still at [previous address]. Talk to you soon! Tootie Husband then forwarded me an e-mail with the response from his friend with their address. I saw Husband’s e-mail below it, which said: Dude, I need your address. - [Husband’s callsign] Coincidentally, we also have different styles of writing Christmas cards. While I sit on the couch and write the cards, Husband just sits on the couch. But then again, if he wrote them, it might say something like: Merry Christmas, dude. Maybe it’s all for the best.

Cell Phone

I just got my work cell phone in the mail.

It’s a snazzy, touch-screen phone. I had been calling it the “the poor man’s iPhone,” until I saw its hefty price tag. (Let’s just say I’m grateful that work is paying for it.)

The phone can load your e-mail, take pictures and video, give you driving directions, and tell you the weather.

And it can also humiliate you.

When everyone asked me how I liked the phone, I could only respond, “I’d like it more if I could figure out how to turn the darn thing on!”

I consulted the directions, located the power switch, and charged it for hours. And still, nothing.

Finally, I scooped up the phone and the box with all the accessories, and I brought it to the store. And with my pride decreasing every second, I handed everything to the clerk and asked, “Um, how do I turn this on?”

She told me that I needed to put in the battery first. Before I could process that thought, she had already popped it in and handed the phone back to me, smiling.

And then I said, “So all those hours I spent charging the phone….?"

“…yeah, that did nothing,” she finished my sentence.

I have no shame. But at least I have a working phone now.