Out With The Old

I'd originally started this post as a recap of my New Year's Eve adventures. But, unfortunately, much of the 'adventure' was the result of someone taking advantage of my generous nature. Okay, my generously-close-to-pushover nature.

That's not to say I didn't have a good time at all -- I was determined to enjoy sending 2009 on its way, and I certainly did! But thinking over everything that happened brought me to a simple conclusion, one more important for me to record than the events that lead to it: I deserve the best.

This is a horribly cheesy line. It's used in commercials. This is something that I've said to justify an expensive purchase (I look fabulous in this dress and really, I do deserve the best... ). But this is also something my mother has told me over and over, as is often the wont of Jewish mothers, and mothers in general.

And it's the truth, and I now feel it strongly. I deserve friends who won't take advantage of me.

You're a Mean One, Ms Grinch

Yesterday was a snow day -- DC was crippled by the "Blizzard of 2009", but  it was wonderful to have a three-day weekend. And the excuse to hibernate was greatly appreciated.

Back at work today, as one of four people in my department, I find myself pleasantly occupied... for the most part. I've said before that I'm the sort of person who would rather be busy than not, and that has certainly been the case today. Coworkers on holiday vacations (several in warmer climates, of which I am supremely jealous) means more work for me... and again, that's fine. Keep me busy, please!

But even as I'm working away, there's a nagging sense in the back of my head that I'm missing something. Okay, the obvious being holiday plans; my family will celebrate Hanukkah when we get together, and we'll go out for dinner (and maybe even a movie!) on Christmas. But it's hard not to think of the years that I've spent celebrating Christmas with others, in other places. Particularly last year, when I was in California for a whirlwind long weekend.... But whatever, that was last year.

And, while I'm on such an upbeat note, this nagging feeling includes the fact that I am likely overdue for a serious examination of friendships. I've been known to let people emotionally plow over me in the past, and to remain in unhealthy relationships with those who don't really have my best interests at heart.  It may not be the most wonderful time of the year to jettison a worn out friendship or two, but it may be something I have to consider for 2010.

But enough about this emotional work that I have ahead of me. Right now, contemplation does no more than add to my Grinch-y attitude. No time to get emotional! I've got work to do, people. Making a difference in people's lives, et cetera.

Deck the Wha?

I peered out of my tryptophan haze yesterday and realized that people were decorating for Christmas.

I know many Jewish families that have decorated their houses for Christmas, but mine was never one of them. My parents have a collection of menorahs and they stay out all year round on a sideboard in their dining room -- that's the extent of their holiday decor. My apartment building hasn't done anything in the lobby just yet, but I noticed that some of my neighbors have begun to decorate their windows. And I saw that there are other buildings on our street that are, as one would say, "decked out".

Baffled as to how everyone seemed to know that this was the time to start putting up Christmas decor, I posed the following question on Twitter: "When do ppl decide that it's time to put up their Xmas decor? Pls educate the Jewish girl"

The responses I received were varied, amusing and, in some cases, insightful:

"ASAP after Turkey Day is the normal goya [sic] tradition"
"usually 1 or 2 days after Thanksgiving = )"
"When kids beg you long enough, when you have a free weekend or whatever time was YOUR family tradition. ie: No fixed time"
"Whenever mom says"
"in my neighborhood it was the week before thanksgiving. I prefer after thanksgiving."
"When I feel like I have the patience to wrestle with the Christmas lights."
"we just leave it up all year...goes well with the siding"    
"when my kids were little, we used to put up the tree after thanksgiving dinner. we are supposed to put it up 1st day of advent"


Okay, so either there is some rhyme and reason to when Christmas decor goes up - or there is none at all. But this is the time when everyone decorates, so I feel a little less out of the loop.

Happy Festivus!

On this day, the 23rd of December -- the day we air our grievances and demonstrate feats of strength under the glorious Festivus Pole -- I would simply like to wish everyone a joyus and wonderful holiday season.

food coma...

... yes, still.

Good food, good company, good wine. Turducken was delish, the extra turkey Dad made was fantastic, and even if the family pumpkin pies didn't turn out as expected (even though I told Mom that if she'd let me help her, I KNOW they would have been fine...!) a good time was had by all. And at least two guests left on Thursday night feeling stuffed to their gills.

A success!

And a great time with my parents. Really and truly. Slept like a baby in my (narrow) childhood bed, ran around in my PJs, and did some fun online shopping with Mom when not helping Dad baste the turducken. Above all else, I am thankful for my wonderful time with them.