Monday, December 27, 2004

Tree up, tree down

In the midst of our little renovation projects, and the time spent away from hom before and after Christmas, we kind of decided that we wouldn't bother putting up our tree this year..the space to place it was occupied by a chair that we wanted to move into the room under renovation. Also hampering plans was the strange wooden post assembly in our living room that we are constantly stepping around. Finally, I removed the post (before and after pictures to follow), and I decided, damn it, I want the tree up. So, up it went on the 23rd, down it came today. That's a speed record for me, usually it's up the first week in December and down after New Year's Day.

We're off to Edmonton for New Year's, so we figured the tree should come down before we leave, as the cats would be the only ones here to enjoy it, and by that I mean get tangled in the lights and probably topple the whole thing.

It brightened my mood to have it up.

It was a strange Christmas for me this year. Nice, in the quiet aspect, just Allie, her mom and I, relieved of the pressure to get up in the morning, open gifts, then spend the rest of the day driving around and being everywhere BUT home until the end of the day, when we're usually so tired and stuffed full that we just crash.

But, it was the first Christmas I have ever spent away from the family. Sure, we saw them last week for the birthdays, and had we been there for the 25th, most of them were spending various parts of the day elsewhere, so we wouldn't have seen anyone anyhow, but still, the first one away from everybody is strange. Peaceful but sad at the same time.

We had a great day, though. Quiet, enjoyable, no lack of food and stuffing ourselves, ol' Santa was indeed very good to us (I guess he got our forwarding address and wasn't hampered by our lack of a fireplace).

The snow and colder weather has hit here, finally, and I think that's a factor in my mood. I don't think I have SAD or anything, but I defeinetly have been down during the cold and snow, especially last year, where the snow was heavy, the winter was cold, and it just never seemed to end. I keep telling Allie that if winter is bad, we'll be heading even farther south next year.

I'm also feeling the impatience of spinning my wheels, work-wise. I do have the goal of the BA, and possibly the technician gig at the Esplanade, but they both seem very far away right now. When I got here, unencumbered by employment, I said I'd write, draw, paint, create, and take up my time expressing all the things that I never had the ebergy to do when I was working, but one form of stress has replaced the other, and I have hardly done any of those things.

Hopefully, I can get my act together and do something before the real world catches up to me again.

Enough of this nonsense. New year, new beginnings, renewed drive. Make the best of the situation, use what I have to my advantage.

If I don't post again before the 31st, Happy New Year, kids.

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

Lights please.



And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were so afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.


Merry Christmas, everybody.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

lo dee doh

Christmas is upon us. The travellin begins. We're packing up to go visit the family this weekend for our pre-Christmas in Edmonton, then we spend the actual holidays at home. Back to Edmonton for New Year's, though. Puttin' those miles on the car!

Shopping and gift-building is pretty much complete, a few odds and ends to finish off..even got the packages in the mail to Winnipeg and Toronto. On time for once? Maybe.

So, I'll post here and there from wherever I am. I just haven't had much too say lately..no big controvesy, no big plans..just everyday stuff.

I've been killing time with this site, especially Pool Jam. Addicting little game.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

denied

Didn't get the job at the college. I can only think I was overqualified, and they probably thought I'd bolt at the first higher paying or more challening (or even full-time) job I came across, which is pretty much true.

Oh well, I can't say I'm too sad about it, I was stressing a bit about a commitment practically every weekend from January til April. Would really put a dent in my visiting plans. So I am free once again.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

that was fun

So, Interview over. It went OK, I have to think that I'm easily the most qualified applicant they'll get. maybe too qualified? We'll see.

In the meantime, here is a little Christmas Carol starring someone Toast and Marmy will recognize.

job

Off to the interview at the college. Wish me luck.

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

renovations

Stripping wallpaper sucks.

I can't believe that anyone who has ever tried this nasty, messy, slow, tedious job would ever willingly put up wallpaper again, knowing that someday, it might have to come down.