I watched our 44th president take his solemn oath all alone in my small home just a short while ago. I cried all throughout the services and if someone were to ask me why, I don't know if I could give a better answer than one word: hope.
Shortly after President Barack Obama's oath and his incredible inaugural address, my phone rang and my mother; instead of telling me about all the plagues in the world, the upsets in her day, the wrongs in her family, the concerns about her health; said instead, "Isn't this an amazing day? Isn't he an amazing man?" Yes to both.
Valentine's Day is coming. Who cares, right? Well, some people care. I mean, if no one cared, why do I see aisles of candy and cards when I travel through my local Walmart? Out with Christmas one day, in with Valentine's Day the next.
Some years I have cared greatly about this holiday and others, not so much. (Last year's 3 dead rose incident was definitely one for the books) After being with my guy for 22 years, I no longer expect him to magically just guess what I'd like for every holiday or birthday. Either I make strong hints such as, "Wow, look at that flyer on the counter all circled and underlined in case someone didn't know what to get their wife," or "I ordered my birthday present. It's really great. You did good. Thanks," or I just say, "You could get me this, this, or this ... I'm good either way," or "Let's just skip it and focus on the kids." (this is the usual one)
My husband was not feeling cheap and my wonderific Buffy DVDs arrived yesterday. I didn't want to wait to open them. (First clue of being a nerd) Then when I opened them I did this loud "aaaahoooohaaaa" music like the angels were singing to me. (Yeah, second clue) Then when I lifted the lid and the front fell open revealing all the DVD seasons and cast pics, I was like, "Oh my gosh, how freaking awesome is this?" (Third clue) Then a, "Wooo, wait, special message from Joss (creator of Buffy) ... I'll read it to you." (Fourth) My family did not want to hear the special message from Joss, but I read it anyway.
I mean, I'm giddy about this gift, especially since television re-runs of Buffy on Saturday (or any time) have officially ended in my area as of a few months ago. A life completely void of Buffy? Not worth living, in my opinion. I plan on watching just one episode a day and savoring them a bit. Oh, and one of the best parts of this holiday? I also got the Dr. Horrible DVD, CD, plus theBuffy (Once More with Feeling) Musical CD as well. Even though I picked it all out, it still makes me love my husband. A lot.
Instead of asking about the upcoming holiday, I'd just like to know if any of you are actually fans of any of Joss' work or if you're just sitting there going, "I didn't realize this lady was such a friggin' geek!"
Actually, things are going well, I've just been re-reading my copy of Bridget Jones' Diary and always liked how she screws the resolutions right on the first day. That's my kind of girl.
My hiatus has been somewhat uneventful. Husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage on the 19th of December. Went out to dinner. Saw "Curious Case of Benjamin Button." It was a nice night. It was a nice film based on one of my favorite short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald who gets no credit at all for any of it.
Then there was Christmas. Knitted ass off for family plus store bought presents. Once again, not bad. Bought the kids much stuff and received charcoal drawings from both of them. A chicken from my son, a geisha from my daughter. How different can it get? Went to my mother's, did the present exchange there again, ate dinner, back home to lie around in food coma. Normal holiday state.
New Year's was last night. Watched a movie with the kids and husband, then some general TV programming, then the ball drop with Dick Clark. Dick Clark can no longer speak clearly and since he's been around my entire life, I felt emotional seeing him. I now have to remember to write 2009 instead of 2008, but other than that, things seem to be just about the same.
Oh, except I am going to make a big commitment this year to getting back in shape instead of just saying I'm going to get back in shape. This will not be a Bridget Jones commitment, but a bonafide lose weight, build the muscle, and get physically fit like ex-athlete type of commitment. Since I have a slight hangover from one bottle of Guinness and since I haven't smoked in over a year and a half, I'm not even in Bridge's league anymore. :::sigh:::
How'd this holiday season treat the rest of you? I'll be around to check on everyone soon.
