Sentimental

I dialed her number. It was theirs, but now it's hers. The phone rang once... then twice... a third time. I heard the click of the machine. It had been a while since I called and got the machine. I waited, anticipating his voice.

But it was unfamiliar. I listened. I could feel emotion rising. What was it? Who was this?? Anger isn't the right word. Disappointment... no, it's still not the right one. It was a blow.

Where was his voice? Where was The Familiar? Instead it was a random woman trying to sell me gutters or paint or something completely irrelevant.

I called my grandma's cellphone instead. She answered and I asked about the land line. Apparently, I had misdialed the number. I hung up after chatting with her and tried again.

The phone rang once... then twice... a third time. I heard the click of a machine. This machine was different. He was on it.

I miss him.

His voice is higher on the machine. It's a poor reflection of the bass that once rumbled out of him. Still, I took it. His smile flooded through the line. I could picture him recording the message, standing over it wearing some baggy jeans and donning suspenders. The machine's buttons would be no match under his big fingers.

The message has played on the machine for years now.

As I listened, wrapped up in memories of him, the message was over almost as fast as it began. The beep rang out. I was expected to pierce the silence when all I wanted was for his voice to keep playing.

I hung up and dialed again. I listened to him again. And then a third time...

I dialed her number. It was theirs, but now its hers.

Holiday Eating: A Crash Course (or 10)

It's the season of courses- food courses! We should all review these basics before sitting down (or circling) the table...

10. CARROT STICKS
Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

9. EGGNOG
Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare ... you cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

8. GRAVY
If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

7. MASHED POTATOES
As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

6. PRE-EATING
Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

5. EXERCISE
Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a ten-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

4. SANTA COOKIES
If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

3. PIES
Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin, mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

2. FRUITCAKE
Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

1. MOTTO
One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and screaming "WOOHOO! What a ride!"

(thanks, Jenn, for those important tips!) ;)

Reflectons of the Season

Yesterday was filled with new memories. Marie and I brought home a Christmas tree that we purchased. The experience itself was probably humorous to other shoppers at Home Depot. Marie and I had just left church and were in our heels. There's nothing like two women in Sunday attire trying to maneuver a 7' Christmas tree. Sap was all over our hands and branches were batting at our faces. It was probably a pretty entertaining sight as we shouted directions to one another and tried to figure out the best way to lift and shift it in the cart.

Regardless, the tree made it home and it's beautifully decorated now! Marie, Danielle, Catalina, and I set it up and strung the lights. An angel adorns it and there are even some sparse ornaments! Marie and Danielle also put up other lights throughout the house. The rooms smell of fresh Frasier fir and are lit with candles and small lights. It's so festive!

To kick off the season, we had a roomy dinner of crepes and cider. All six (!) of us were home and it made for a fun evening.

I can't help but smile as I think about what the season means. It's a time of love and sharing. Isn't that what the Christmas message is all about? Giving something bigger than yourself and sharing moments with people you love. It's not about consumerism. It's about shared memories. Stolen glances with a loved one. A wink across a dinner table. Laughter filling the air. Warm hugs and endearing kisses. Comfort and warmth that's only found with people who know you almost as well as you know yourself.

It all started with the biggest love offering: the unconditional gift of a baby for the world.

I came across this song in my Christmas playlist and I thought you may enjoy it. Ever wonder what it was like to be in those private moments with baby Jesus? Did he cry often? What was it like to hold the Savior of the world? Did his baby smell trump that of all other babies? What was it like for Joesph, an earthly father fully entrusted by the Heavenly One, to care for Mary and a baby boy? Here's a song by MercyMe called "Joseph's Lullaby" that may be a new favorite. Make sure to check out the lyrics:

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

Happy reflecting...