Random Updates Galore: Holiday Edition

So far, 2008 is off to a much better start than was 2007 this same time last year. By January 9 of last year, A. lost the majority of his ice-fishing gear--including hisfancypants ice shanty--to 70+ mph winds during an ice-fishing derby and we had a drain line from our house freeze solid. Let me point you to the key words in that last sentence: DRAIN; FROM; and FREEZE. (I'll let your mind wander through all the disgusting and thoroughly inconvenient ramifications of this its own.)

So far, so good. It's warming up to the 30s and 40s for a few days, so I don't have to worry about freezing pipes for a while. A. is considering entering the same ice-fishing derby this weekend. Would you all mind sending some good karma his way? Gee, thanks! You are the best.

Happy New Year to you and yours, and here is hoping that only good things find you throughout the year.

***

Christmas was lovely. It was my first Christmas away from my family, and I struggled with that a bit. I couldn't overcome the feeling of guilt I carried with me that my papa didn't have any of his kids come home this year. Every time I spoke with him he seemed cheerful and happy. I keep telling myself that wasn't for my benefit. A. and I did swing down to see he and my step-mom a few days after Christmas and he seemed great. It was a fun little visit.

But A.'s family were all very thoughtful and took special care of me this holiday. Truly, how lucky am I? Before we left to go see my folks a few days after Christmas, A.'s older sister gave me a hug and thanked me for spending my first Christmas away from my family with them. The lump is still in my throat.

Some favorite things about Christmas this year:

1. A. gave me a new fly reel and brand new line to go with the rod he gave me last year. Woo hoo! I am even more anxious for winter to get the hell out of here so I can go fly-fishing. What is up with this ice-fishing business?

2. T., A.'s four-year-old nephew was beside himself with excitement over all the presents and Santa. He looked through all of the gifts under the tree to see which had his name on it, then carted them all over to the dining room table so they cold be close to him while he ate lunch. He slept with the presents later that night.

3. Because they were spending Christmas at Grandma's, T. was worried that Santa wouldn't know where to leave the presents. So he left him a note at home! Too sweet! Oh, it breaks my heart.

4. Little S., A.'s two-year-old niece, received a play kitchen. At one point, I heard her blowing. I looked over, and she was blowing on the "hot" saucepan of soup. Again - TOO SWEET.

5. A.'s mom's cooking. Yum. Except for the Lutefisk. Dear God, that is rank, jiggly stuff. Eeeewwww.

6. My folks gave me an iPod Shuffle! It's red! It's adorable! It's tiny! I've wanted one for years, and kept telling myself I'd buy it for myself when I went to the gym faithfully for at least one month. Instead, I have a cute little thing full of my favorite music to inspire me to go to the gym. No more giant Discman for me.

7. I got to spend another Christmas with A.

***

Sunday, A. and I drove to Denver to meet his folks at the Vikings-Broncos game. It was a difficult game, as in order for the Vikings to make it to the playoffs the fucking Dallas Cowboys had to beat the Redskins. I HAD TO HOPE WITH ALL MY HEART THAT DALLAS WOULD WIN. Oh, that was painful. As was the Vikings' performance. As were thefreakin' cold temperatures in late December in Denver. It was COLD, people.

We stayed long enough to see the Vikings score their first (allowed) touch down and two-point conversion. We left then to beat the traffic so A.'s folks would make it to their play on time. By the time we trekked all the way back to the vehicle and had the radio on, the Vikings tied the game and it had gone into overtime. Damn Vikings! You always, always find a way to fill me with delirious hope at the very end.

The Broncos got a field goal and won the game. And Dallas? Dallas decided not to show up for their game, benched all their prize players and let Washington run all over them. Fucking Texas.

Instead of driving home that night as we had planned, A. and I slept of the floor of J. and C.'s place in south Denver. All roads to L-town were closed due to 70+ mph winds and absolutely no visibility. Fun. Have I mentioned how much I love winter in these parts? Thankfully a friend of our with a four-wheel drive made it out the house to let the pups in overnight. It was fun visiting with J. and C., though.

***

The roads were still crappy and the winds were still at about 50 mph on New Year's Eve day. So, A.'s parents decided to stay with us for the holiday, and we all made the slow, stressful trek to L-town on barely open roads. Arg . But! We ended up having a great New Year's Eve. A.'s step-sister H. came out to the house and I made homemade pizzas and we drank wine and champagne and played Yahtzee and TrivialPursuit. It was a lovely way to ring in the new year.

A.'s mom asked us all what our resolutions were. I never keep mine, but I make them anyway. H. is going to send birthday cards to all the family. On time. (I would fail outright if that were my resolution.) A. is going to catch the biggest perch of the year. (Dork.) I am going to floss daily and finish The Thesis. I have been struggling with my third resolution: to lose weight, get fit and feel better. I've never had to make a conscious effort to achieve these things before and I am a tad freaked out. I'll save this for another post (for you, Tessie!).

***

Happy New Year!