New Year's Eve came and went along with the copious amounts of wine that disappeared in my gullet.
I forgot to tell John about my habit of wandering off in a drunken stupor. It's really hard to drunk text "CURB" when replying to "Where are you?"
Happy New Year!
Other photos are on Facebook and Flickr.
PS - I changed the banner. You may need to clear yo cache.
This weekend was Kristin and Kandy's (almost) annual holiday party. There was a smaller crowd than usual, but it was really nice. Everyone got a chance to visit with everyone else.
Kate, who's in the above photo, sometimes reads my blog so here is a special message just for her.
HEY KATE. STOP SMOKING!!!!
I capitalize and bold that with all the love in my heart.
Kandy and Kristin got a Wii for Christmas. I had fun kicking everyone's ass playing darts and trivia. But then the lesbians started playing golf.
Typical.
I'm trying out a goatee. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Any thoughts?
Other photos are on Facebook and Flickr.
Today was the grand opening of the Phoenix Metro Light Rail. John, Jason and I walked to our local station to check out the train while it still has that new car smell. Guess who else wanted to check it out.
EVERYONE!!!!
Any more people and we are gonna need a lubricant here.
Other photos are on Facebook and Flickr.
2008 has been one roller-coaster of a ride with lots of ups and a few very significant downs. Being laid off before the holiday, I told my friends immediately, "I'm not doing Christmas. I'll catch you next year." It was an easy decision to make. After all, there ain't no money coming in, so I'm pretty Ebenezer-like with the money going out. Everyone, of course, understood and respected my request to not receive gifts since I couldn't reciprocate.
I've never been a big fan of Christmas. There's plenty I do like about it. I have a few gigs of holiday music in my iTunes. I love seeing everything lit up with twinkling lights. And of course, who doesn't like Christmas cookies? But as for the rest of it, I could do without. I've always felt the financial crunch when it comes to gift giving. I've felt spread thin with time commitments and been to plenty of parties that made my social anxiety rear its ugly head. I feel getting sick on Christmas last year was a gift of sorts. It let me spend all day sleeping on the sofa, eat Chinese food and watch crap reality TV.
But a funny thing happened this year. Canceling Christmas took all of the pressure off. I've enjoy every party I've attended. I've been able to spend quality time with people I love. And I've kept my sanity by not spending one second shopping during the retail hell season. It's been very refreshing to actually enjoy the season.
The best thing is, I think I've appreciated this year and all I've gone through more because of it. Overall, this year's been a rough one, especially the last several weeks, many of which I spent sick to my stomach with worry and uncertainty. But this year, during this holiday season, I've felt truly blessed.
I don't throw that word around lightly. It has all sorts of heavenly, Jesus-fied implications that I don't subscribe to, but there is truly no other word I can use to describe what I feel.
My friends have been wonderful throughout this difficult time. Whether it be a call, an email, an instant message, whatever. It's always good to know someone is thinking about you. Even people I've never met, people who visit this site, have been very kind sending me encouraging emails and best wishes. A few of Santa's helpers banned together to send me some Christmas cheer that brought tears to my eyes. I have been deeply moved by the generosity of everyone. I've never felt so much love. You are all awesome. Your support helped make this difficult time a lot easier.
This Christmas has also brought some work my way. I've accepted a temp job that starts after the New Year. It's the first time I've done contract to hire work and I think it's a good fit. Of course, having income will be nice again. Papa needs some new shoes. Plus, I won't have to have my mail forwarded to my car after all. Very good news indeed.
However you choose to spend the holiday, I hope it is a great one. Thank you for being you.
Peace,
Brian
The holiday parties continued this weekend. And so did the crafts. I went with John to his friend Mike's to make gingerbread/graham cracker houses.
And now I present to you the fruits of our labor.
Here's mine.
For the record, those are topiaries in front of the house. Although, Mike claimed it was very Lord of the Flies looking.
Here's John's.
Welcome to Haus Bukkake. I think John used half the bowl of icing on his lovely A-frame house.
Here's Mason's.
We are borg.
Actually, I think it looks a little like Homer's house.
Mike was still working on his house. Very meticulous, that one. But it was shaping up quite nicely.
This is Shawn's house.
A double wide trailer complete with an outhouse, fallen over snow man and half dead front lawn. White trash is the new black. It reminds me of one of my favorite holiday songs.
It's a scientific fact that all the best holiday songs have the word tampon in them.
Other photos are on Facebook and Flickr.
I haven't mailed cards during the holidays for many years now. It just seems like such a waste of trees. For the last few years, I've made a holiday mix to give instead. I just finished spamming everyone in my address book. I'm sure I've missed a few people and probably a few of my emails will end up in some spam folders (Seriously, why are some a ya'll still using Hotmail? Why don't you just use carrier pigeons? It's just as effective) so I thought I'd offer my holiday collection to everyone.
If you'd like some holiday tunes, leave a comment or send me an email and I'll email you the link.
Happy Christmahanukwanzaka!
Homer's party was a ton of fun. Lots of great food, even greater people and lots of crafts to make.
Decorating cookies is always a fun table.
It was nice to get to catch up with Ray and Cobban. Check out Ray's mistletoe tie.
I made a special card that reminded me of my childhood.
I wonder who'll receive this extra special card.
There are more photos on Flickr. Happy Holidays!
