Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas has been a mixture of traditional and new experiences.
In the department of old traditions, I really think I'm this close to giving up on Good Shepherd and finding a new church to go to when I come home. Maybe Richard's church. I get so tired of all the crazy church politics. A small group of people keep me going there because there is hope for a better parish. It is so broken in so many ways. Between the priest and music minister, I have to hold my tongue or I will tell them how I feel... Most likely not a wise move.
But otherwise, Christmas this year was fantastic.
Richard flew into Columbus and we were able to spend a day with Marti and Rob. I've always enjoyed talking with her. She is such a refuge for me in so many ways. I also enjoyed playing with her youngest grandson, Henry, who is a blast! Sometimes I forget how much energy those little ones have. Marti enjoyed having Winstead around as well.
The drive home was not too bad. Winstead meowed from time to time but NEVER used his little box. I don't know if he was scared or just didn't care. He seemed to like the dashboard of my car a lot (he was NOT out while we were driving!).
Then we got snowed in once we got to VA. Richard and I spent the whole weekend at my folks house making cookies and watching movies. Cabin fever set in by Monday morning just in time for us to be able to leave! Nearly two feet of snow. Way, waaaay to much snow shoveling.
Richard's sister and niece were in town through today. Lily is getting so smart. She can not only say names but she can say MY last name along with my cat's name along with three word sentences! What a smart cookie! =)
She is now quite the typical two year old screaming for attention and them suddenly getting real cute. I love the closing of the doors before she trying to do something she knows she's not supposed to do. She is also loves the kitty and keeps wanting to find him. The phrase "kitty sleeping" has worked wonders to get her mind off of him.
We helped get Vickie (Richard's sister) out of the house for an evening by going to see Avatar 3D. There was quite a bit to like but I kept having Furn Gully flashbacks in the middle of the movie. Not sure if I'd recommend seeing it in 3D. I liked all the forest things popping out and the occasional foreground making it feel as though I were actually there. I really think you pay the extra $4 for the glasses. I'd recommend the movie overall.
We also watched the new Star Trek movie (I was the only newbie watching it). In Richard's words, "It had more action and is a Star Trek movie for Star Wars fans." I actually like the movie a lot. I've had a harder time in the past getting into Star Trek or the Next Gen series. Perhaps I will get more into it and I'm sure Richard will like that. =P
Christmas eve dinner with the Oversons was good. All the kiddies were social and the large number of pets were all over attempting to gain someone's attention. The church service left quite a bit to be desired but there were some pleasant things. I'm glad that my clarinet playing reaches people in a deeper way. That's something I hope I can do all the time.
Christmas Day was the best. The whole family liked my gifts to them and I even got some things. I had received most of my gives ahead of time(XM radio subscription and some new clothes). I got a new sewing kit from mom which I am ecstatic about because I can finally sew things up without having to bug Grandma for a needle and thread! I think one of the best gifts I got was from my best friend Candy. She got me a huge framed poster of Tiger Stadium on a game night in 2005. I was actually there someone near Tiger Band. Oh the Tiger fan in me came out. I was giddy with excitement. It's so funny what one poster can do.
Richard gave me sapphires in a set of earrings, necklace and a ring. He seems to be bulking up my fancy jewelry collection, something I have had nearly nothing of until we stared dating. Believe me, I am not complaining!
We had Christmas lunch with my folks and dinner with Richard's family. That evening at Richard's was the best part of the day. My parents, Richard's folks and his sister's crew (Lily, Mark and Hank included) chatted for several hours. A good time was had by all even if the power went out in the kitchen making it take an extra hour to cook! I guess it's those crazy moments that make Christmas more exciting (or stressful!).
Last night Richard and I and my folks when Scottish country dancing at a friend's Boxing Day party. This family is rather large and had some member able to me in the states from Hong Kong! So there was much celebrating and dancing. Thank goodness many of them knew the steps to the dances otherwise we would have been much more of a mess. We had a small violin/piano duo calling steps and playing. Even my dad was dancing (dancing was not optional!). It was quite a workout and Richard and I especially enjoyed the dancing. =)
So now we are gearing up for New Year's at Stephanie's. It is going to be fabulous to finally have a party to go to so I don't spend the evening falling asleep before midnight! Then I drive back to school on the second. Boo. School starts way too early.
Here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with family and friends!
In the department of old traditions, I really think I'm this close to giving up on Good Shepherd and finding a new church to go to when I come home. Maybe Richard's church. I get so tired of all the crazy church politics. A small group of people keep me going there because there is hope for a better parish. It is so broken in so many ways. Between the priest and music minister, I have to hold my tongue or I will tell them how I feel... Most likely not a wise move.
But otherwise, Christmas this year was fantastic.
Richard flew into Columbus and we were able to spend a day with Marti and Rob. I've always enjoyed talking with her. She is such a refuge for me in so many ways. I also enjoyed playing with her youngest grandson, Henry, who is a blast! Sometimes I forget how much energy those little ones have. Marti enjoyed having Winstead around as well.
The drive home was not too bad. Winstead meowed from time to time but NEVER used his little box. I don't know if he was scared or just didn't care. He seemed to like the dashboard of my car a lot (he was NOT out while we were driving!).
Then we got snowed in once we got to VA. Richard and I spent the whole weekend at my folks house making cookies and watching movies. Cabin fever set in by Monday morning just in time for us to be able to leave! Nearly two feet of snow. Way, waaaay to much snow shoveling.
Richard's sister and niece were in town through today. Lily is getting so smart. She can not only say names but she can say MY last name along with my cat's name along with three word sentences! What a smart cookie! =)
She is now quite the typical two year old screaming for attention and them suddenly getting real cute. I love the closing of the doors before she trying to do something she knows she's not supposed to do. She is also loves the kitty and keeps wanting to find him. The phrase "kitty sleeping" has worked wonders to get her mind off of him.
We helped get Vickie (Richard's sister) out of the house for an evening by going to see Avatar 3D. There was quite a bit to like but I kept having Furn Gully flashbacks in the middle of the movie. Not sure if I'd recommend seeing it in 3D. I liked all the forest things popping out and the occasional foreground making it feel as though I were actually there. I really think you pay the extra $4 for the glasses. I'd recommend the movie overall.
We also watched the new Star Trek movie (I was the only newbie watching it). In Richard's words, "It had more action and is a Star Trek movie for Star Wars fans." I actually like the movie a lot. I've had a harder time in the past getting into Star Trek or the Next Gen series. Perhaps I will get more into it and I'm sure Richard will like that. =P
Christmas eve dinner with the Oversons was good. All the kiddies were social and the large number of pets were all over attempting to gain someone's attention. The church service left quite a bit to be desired but there were some pleasant things. I'm glad that my clarinet playing reaches people in a deeper way. That's something I hope I can do all the time.
Christmas Day was the best. The whole family liked my gifts to them and I even got some things. I had received most of my gives ahead of time(XM radio subscription and some new clothes). I got a new sewing kit from mom which I am ecstatic about because I can finally sew things up without having to bug Grandma for a needle and thread! I think one of the best gifts I got was from my best friend Candy. She got me a huge framed poster of Tiger Stadium on a game night in 2005. I was actually there someone near Tiger Band. Oh the Tiger fan in me came out. I was giddy with excitement. It's so funny what one poster can do.
Richard gave me sapphires in a set of earrings, necklace and a ring. He seems to be bulking up my fancy jewelry collection, something I have had nearly nothing of until we stared dating. Believe me, I am not complaining!
We had Christmas lunch with my folks and dinner with Richard's family. That evening at Richard's was the best part of the day. My parents, Richard's folks and his sister's crew (Lily, Mark and Hank included) chatted for several hours. A good time was had by all even if the power went out in the kitchen making it take an extra hour to cook! I guess it's those crazy moments that make Christmas more exciting (or stressful!).
Last night Richard and I and my folks when Scottish country dancing at a friend's Boxing Day party. This family is rather large and had some member able to me in the states from Hong Kong! So there was much celebrating and dancing. Thank goodness many of them knew the steps to the dances otherwise we would have been much more of a mess. We had a small violin/piano duo calling steps and playing. Even my dad was dancing (dancing was not optional!). It was quite a workout and Richard and I especially enjoyed the dancing. =)
So now we are gearing up for New Year's at Stephanie's. It is going to be fabulous to finally have a party to go to so I don't spend the evening falling asleep before midnight! Then I drive back to school on the second. Boo. School starts way too early.
Here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is having a wonderful time with family and friends!