Turkey Day Eve

By the end of the day yesterday, Dawn and I were planning dinner via email and discussing the fact that since her husband got his Christmas present yesterday (!) we could watch Gilmore Girls in peace (Nothing happened! Nothing at all that wasn't in the previews! Oh, except Logan and Rory no longer date- eh.). This lead to the discussion of the random Christmasey things we had each been doing lately, i.e. listening to Christmas music, putting up a few random decorations (her), spreading out holiday things in the guestroom in preparation (me). Now she has been holiday-ing it up for a little while now, since for her and her husband Christmas decorations are equivalent to a whole bottle of antidepressants. Bad day at work- set out a Santa figurine. I love 'em for it. So, since I spend half my time at their house, it's not suprising that I too have entered into the Christmas spirit full-tilt, guns-a-blazing, ATM card ready, all homey and family-ey and stuff.

That said and before I even get into this next little bit, I have a confession to make. It's a known fact that I am an 80 year old in a 22 year old's body (and a nice one at that- hardeeharhar.) but a lesser known one that I can actually channel my grandmothers. All of them. Maybe not at the same time- but that doesn't diminish the gift- don't even try to let it. This is serious business. So last night's behavior was the result of my possession by my great-grandmother (still alive) and is just an extension of a similar possession last year in the Kohl's home goods holiday sale area. Before I even say this: Don't judge me. If you could come to my house and see the magical wonders which I plan to perform with just this tidbit of Christmas tradition, well... you'd be impressed. And on that note - I bought village houses. Big ones. Lots of them. I couldn't stop. Now, keep in mind that the Christmas fairies had marked them down to $6 each. And that they are very pretty. And you can buy a taxi to put in front of the train station. And in my defense, my grandmother has put up a village scene at Christmas as long as I can remember and we always looked forward to going over and turning on the lights, squatting down beside the table and examining all the people, skating or walking or sitting on benches, and the church with the ringing bells... So, see? I had no other choice for my first Christmas away from home but to set up a village. Besides, my best friend did it before me, and this year hers is especially lovely sitting on the bar between her kitchen and den, and (to her personal decorating triumph) far away from little boys' hands.

Now my people may be terrorized by giant cat-like monsters, squashing the quaint scene like King Kong in Tokyo, but for a moment, it will be peaceful and beautiful.

I will be driving home tonight for Thanksgiving and although I don't have a bed to sleep on (my parents seriously need a sleeper sofa) I am excited about the parade watching and food EATING and football SLEEPING and SHOPPING that will be occurring in the next few days. I am driving on like the worst night for holiday driving, the day before, so pray for me as I navigate the giddy home-goers. Plus I'm traveling with cats. And while in the past they have been super-travelers, sleeping like champions all the way from here to the beach, or here to the grandparents, the last small trip we took, an hour and some change down country roads, Hobbes hollered the whole way as if she was being tortured with hot pokers or catnip hanging outside the carrier ( Yeah, I don't know about the metaphor. It's the best I could do. Just roll with me here). So, we'll see how all that goes. Is there any product that puts cats to sleep? I mean, not that I would do something like that, but just asking? It will totally be worth it though, to eat the cranberry concoction a family friend makes at the holidays, of which some is already present at my house and about which my mom made a special phone call just to inform me of the aforementioned presence. I seriously love this stuff. Will be stealing the leftovers and smuggling them home love. Open up the fridge with spoon ready love.

I hopefully will be making a pit stop mid-journey to visit with my almost sister and her fiance, who are home from college (I know- they're too young. I tried.) to introduce the cats and share Thanksgiving greetings. Usually our families celebrate together, but this year as a result of a series of events involving me and her brother and the breakup of the ages (that's how I imagine it is described in our mothers' heads) - no dice. While I am okay with the whole families celebrating together thing (we must get used to it sometime, best before there are spouses involved) he apparently is a wuss. Or that's how I choose to see it. So I will visit beforehand, and enjoy the angst-free, awkwardless, non-heel-wearing sleep I will garner on my parent's couch tomorrow afternoon.

And now, abruptly, I must begin the last work day of the week (Thank goodness). Thanksgiving greetings to all!

Keep on shinin'

Having faith in the long run is easier said than done
It's hard to live out in the light of day
You're bruised and you're battered, your dreams have been shattered
Your best laid plans scattered all over the place

Despite all your tendencies, God sees it differently
Your struggle's a time to grow
And you, you're a miracle, anything but typical
It's time for the whole wide world to know

Keep on, keep on shinin'
Wherever you may be
Keep on, keep on shinin'
For all the world to see

"Keep on Shinin'" Third Day, Wherever You Are

Look, they grew!