Monday, December 25, 2006

Home for the holidays


I'm not home anymore. Well, actually, I am home. In my NY "home," which really isn't where the heart is, as they say. At least not for Christmastime. I just got back from a little more than a week-long trip to Michigan, and the last few days have been kind of a blur. I stood up in Lindsay and Trep's wedding on Friday, so in addition to the usual holiday happenings, there was lots to do surrounding that: bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, gift-finding, lots of salon and beauty parlor time, and of course, the wedding itself. I've been looking forward to this wedding for so long (since we were kids, really). And I wasn't let down. Everything was so beautiful, from the flowers to the heart-shaped cookies made by Lindsay's grandparents. Lindsay was gorgeous and I'm pretty sure everyone shed at least a tear and then danced it off later at the reception. My mom and brother flew in from Florida for the wedding, and for the first time in more than a year, the four of us were all back in the house. There's no better feeling than waking up to the sound of mom downstairs making coffee and my dad snoring down the hall. Well, there are better sounds, but none more comforting. We held a huge Christmas party on the 23rd, inviting everyone from co-workers to neighbors. My parents have held some large parties in the past, but this was definitely the biggest. I've never seen more people crowded in those rooms. We did our gift-opening on Christmas Eve and ordered Chinese food for dinner at my aunt's house. Then it was off to the airport early this morning. My mom and brother are probably on their way back down south right now. Once again, I feel cheated on family time and I'm not sure that's ever going to change.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Wedding countdown

We had her bachelorette party on Saturday night, but I still can't believe Lindsay's getting married this week. I've been looking forward to it for more than a year, and I picked up my dress from her house yesterday, but now, it's actually here. Well, it will be in three more days. And then she'll be Mrs. Trep, a name I've only associated with Chris' mom, back when she'd bring snacks to track meets or Science Olympiad contests.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

The gift of life


I'm a wimp about a lot of things. I don't like roller coasters. I can't swim in the ocean without thinking there's a shark or some scary creature darting around my feet. And I really don't like needles. So the thought of freely giving up my blood, facing that drawing needle without the orders of a doctor, has always given me the shivers. But I decided to get over it. Or at least just try it. I'm healthy. I don't have HIV, or Hepatitis C, or a laundry list of other diseases they ask you about on the registration form. I haven't had a tattoo in the last year or surgery in the last three months. I definitely weigh more than 110 pounds. Check, check, check. And I'm not exactly wealthy -- check -- not a blood donor requirement, but seeing as I don't have extra money to donate to charity, why not give in a way just as valuable? Arguably more. So today I gave blood. Not going to lie, I was scared. Right arm out, fist clenched, eyes shut tight, a pinch, pressure, plastic bag fills, it's filled, release, deep breaths, tingling, juice, an escort, cookies. I survived. No passing out, no nurses repeatedly poking at my veins. Not a big deal. Have I overcome my fear of needles? Definitely not. But I've learned to suck it up.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

I have great friends

I was feeling really down this weekend. Just really lonely, which always tends to spiral into a thick depression that's tough to shake. And Abbey must have noticed when we talked last night, because shorly after I woke up this morning, she made a surprise visit to Port Jefferson with Adam. We walked downtown and made a trip to the outlet mall with the intention of Christmas shopping that really turned into shopping for ourselves. It was just what I needed before heading into another long week.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

O Tannenbaum


I bought and assembled my Christmas tree this weekend. It looks a little Charlie Brownish, but that's what you get for $17.