W(h)ine Anyone?

"I've read there is no such thing as a single tear, that old poetic trope.

And perhaps there isn't, since hers was simply a companion to my own."

-Elizabeth Kostova in The Historian

That's it! I've resigned myself to wine and comfort food. Its really all I can think of that will (momentarily) make me feel better.

A bottle of Camelot Cab., and a huge bowl of home-made chili (extra tabasco), and a couple of cornbread muffins (extra butter... the real stuff).

In the last week, I've been affected (either directly or indirectly) by five deaths. FIVE in a WEEK! Not to mention the three car accidents, which involved four of my friends, in the last month. Yeah, feeling a little stressed... a little worried... a little overwhelmed.

Like Glen said (at tribe), we need a time-out. I kinda feel like things are falling apart all around me, and I know there are others who are feeling even worse.

All I can do is send out my love and hugs, offer my support, and be here for them, and myself. This calls for a refill... and a toast to us all.

'Tis The Season (or: x-mas rant #1)

I have to say, Christmas is NOT my favorite holiday. This decoration is totally my favorite though:
I'm always kind of torn. On one hand, I love winter, the twinkling lights, the baking of yummy goodies, the fires, and hot buttered rum. I love spending time with my family and friends, I love giving gifts, and watching people open gifts... I will even admit that I love to receive gifts as well.

I hate the crowds, the commercials (and commercialism), the songs played ad nauseum, the stress (admittedly, self-imposed) of finding 'just the right gift,' the hurry up and go-go-go, shop-shop-shop, spend-spend-spend, of the season just makes me want to start slap-slap-slapping people.

People in general become even more self-centered and rude this time of year, as if there aren't tens of thousands of other people trying to do the exact same shopping they are doing. Everyone seems to be so tired and cranky, and so insanely self-centered. Can you explain to me how people can be so self-absorbed when they are out shopping for gifts for other people?

Seriously, if you are in a store buying a gift for me, and you are being an asshole, and you are cranky and tired and pissed off... PLEASE, I beg of you, put the gift down, go home, have some egg nog and spend some time enjoying your family and/or friends. That would be the greatest gift you could give me. I don't want a bottle of wine splattered with your gooey grumpyness, and the grumpyness of the 25 people that had to stand near you in line. I want a bottle of wine that is covered in love and smiles.

As it turns out...

...Drew did it. I thought for sure it would be posting on the weekends that would end my month long posting spree. Darn that Drew. (Trust me, he would totally laugh at that, then tell me to get my blog-posting helmet for next time.)



The service was nice. It was so great to hear stories about Drew's childhood, and to hear other friends say the words I had been thinking (and wanting to say, but was not able to).

Thank you to everyone who hugged me, held my hand, handed me a tissue, put a hand on my shoulder, tackled me and held me until I stopped crying, made and/or got me coffee, bought me a beer (or other frosty beverage), and flashed me a great smile from across the room.

I also would like to thank Tom and Patrick, just for being Tom and Patrick. You guys have no idea how much I appreciate you both. (and by the way... I just realized you each win awards for telling me the most twisted story about a feline. AND, both stories originate with Drew. Nice.)

We have an amazing family. We say "faire family" for clarification purposes, but we are a family in every sense of the word. I am so very proud to be a part of this family, and for as many times as people have thanked me in the last 72 hours, I feel like "you're welcome" is nowhere near enough, especially after all you've been and done for me.

And, one last thank you to Drew. I'm so thankful you are a part of my family.