I wrote this post after Christmas, but didn't get around to posting it until now... pardon my tardiness.
My Christmas holiday is winding down. I’ll be heading back to DC tomorrow to attempt to regain some normalcy in my life. After several days of family, food, wine, gifts and cheer, I find myself sitting here at 11:18pm on the day after Christmas, thinking to myself “I really need to do a better job at blogging next year.” I’d make it a resolution but that’s only setting myself up for failure. So let’s just keep it a promise between me and you.
I thought about sitting down and writing about all the things that have happened in last few months that I may or may not have blogged about, but I decided that would take far too much time. And let’s be honest, that is time that could be better spent living my life so I have something new to write about. Thus, a recap will suffice and come the New Year, a much needed fresh start.
December 2011. Dad has been cancer free for a year! It’s hard to believe that one year ago, I was home to be with my Dad during treatment and surgery for his thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is one of “the best” cancers you can get, it’s very treatable when caught in time, but we’re still obviously glad that Dad is doing so well.
I took it easy on Christmas this year. My family had an intervention with me over Thanksgiving, informing me that I wasn’t allowed to buy everyone gifts like I have in years past. I was sad, but understood that it might put burden on others which is something I certainly never intended with my gift giving. I simply really enjoy giving gifts. I love my family, and it brings me great joy to make them happy. Anyhow, I held back this year. Next year will be our last holiday in New York (since Dad is making the move to the Sunshine State) so my Aunt has already given me the green light to resume my normal gifting since it will be my last opportunity to do so.
My birthday was also this month and it was lovely. I went out to dinner with my best friend and travel companion, Miss D. The next night, I went out to a happy hour a number of my friends from work and we had a great time. We went down to a cozy bar in Old Town Alexandria that I used to love when I worked in that area. It was a fun yet low key night, which is what it needed to be since I had to leave for New York at 7am the next morning. My Dad and brother celebrated my birthday with me when I got home that night. Dad made my favorite dinner, filet mignon and mashed potatoes. Yum! He also bought me a wonderful new friend to add to my collection. His name is Louis and he’s French. He hangs out with my other accessory friends Michael K, David Y and Tiffany (who always brings company)! (My fellow label loving girlfriends hear me, right?) My brother got me a wooden piggy bank from Germany which was a nod to our European vacations in more ways than one. I absolutely love it.
Also this month, I’ve become hooked on the show “The Big Bang Theory.” Seriously. Because I needed another show to add to my already long list of shows I religiously DVR every week. Sigh. Damn that show for being so funny.
After dealing with Ron’s death, I’ve gotten back on my feet a bit. The holidays have helped to distract from it, but at the same time they make me feel guilty when I think of how much pain his family is in this season. I bought myself a Pandora bracelet with two beads. R and W. I wear it every day and I spin the beads when I think of him. It’s tangible and it helps me.
In addition to my birthday, this month was my mother’s birthday; she would have been 64. Each year that passes without her brings new experiences and perspectives. This year was no different. While I am healing, I still miss her very much. Especially at the holidays.
After all is said and done, another holiday season has come and gone. I’m ready for the routine back, the mundane. Life.
My Christmas holiday is winding down. I’ll be heading back to DC tomorrow to attempt to regain some normalcy in my life. After several days of family, food, wine, gifts and cheer, I find myself sitting here at 11:18pm on the day after Christmas, thinking to myself “I really need to do a better job at blogging next year.” I’d make it a resolution but that’s only setting myself up for failure. So let’s just keep it a promise between me and you.
I thought about sitting down and writing about all the things that have happened in last few months that I may or may not have blogged about, but I decided that would take far too much time. And let’s be honest, that is time that could be better spent living my life so I have something new to write about. Thus, a recap will suffice and come the New Year, a much needed fresh start.
December 2011. Dad has been cancer free for a year! It’s hard to believe that one year ago, I was home to be with my Dad during treatment and surgery for his thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is one of “the best” cancers you can get, it’s very treatable when caught in time, but we’re still obviously glad that Dad is doing so well.
I took it easy on Christmas this year. My family had an intervention with me over Thanksgiving, informing me that I wasn’t allowed to buy everyone gifts like I have in years past. I was sad, but understood that it might put burden on others which is something I certainly never intended with my gift giving. I simply really enjoy giving gifts. I love my family, and it brings me great joy to make them happy. Anyhow, I held back this year. Next year will be our last holiday in New York (since Dad is making the move to the Sunshine State) so my Aunt has already given me the green light to resume my normal gifting since it will be my last opportunity to do so.
My birthday was also this month and it was lovely. I went out to dinner with my best friend and travel companion, Miss D. The next night, I went out to a happy hour a number of my friends from work and we had a great time. We went down to a cozy bar in Old Town Alexandria that I used to love when I worked in that area. It was a fun yet low key night, which is what it needed to be since I had to leave for New York at 7am the next morning. My Dad and brother celebrated my birthday with me when I got home that night. Dad made my favorite dinner, filet mignon and mashed potatoes. Yum! He also bought me a wonderful new friend to add to my collection. His name is Louis and he’s French. He hangs out with my other accessory friends Michael K, David Y and Tiffany (who always brings company)! (My fellow label loving girlfriends hear me, right?) My brother got me a wooden piggy bank from Germany which was a nod to our European vacations in more ways than one. I absolutely love it.
Also this month, I’ve become hooked on the show “The Big Bang Theory.” Seriously. Because I needed another show to add to my already long list of shows I religiously DVR every week. Sigh. Damn that show for being so funny.
After dealing with Ron’s death, I’ve gotten back on my feet a bit. The holidays have helped to distract from it, but at the same time they make me feel guilty when I think of how much pain his family is in this season. I bought myself a Pandora bracelet with two beads. R and W. I wear it every day and I spin the beads when I think of him. It’s tangible and it helps me.
In addition to my birthday, this month was my mother’s birthday; she would have been 64. Each year that passes without her brings new experiences and perspectives. This year was no different. While I am healing, I still miss her very much. Especially at the holidays.
After all is said and done, another holiday season has come and gone. I’m ready for the routine back, the mundane. Life.