Christmas. Again.

Many, many years ago I loved Christmas.  Lots of decorations, baking, cards and such.  Then my father died on December 22.  His funeral was Christmas Eve and the two have been forever linked.  Twice I sent beloved dogs to heaven on Christmas Eve, then three years ago one of my sisters died on December 23rd.  I still celebrated the real meaning of the holiday with church activities and remembering friends, even tho it was bittersweet at times.

Then, this year I got a job working retail just before Thanksgiving.  Humans are terrible creatures some times.  They lie and steal.  They treat others badly - maybe in an attempt to feel superior or important?   Some are very lonely and just need a kind word.  Having the free gift boxes set up near my work station was a fascinating study in human nature.  When customers thought they cost money, they needed two; when the found out they were free, they needed five.

And yesterday I think I lost my faith or my heart broke.  I'm not sure which.  Two Mexican women - no US identification - and a large group of children came in to return bags of clothing.  All of the items were children-sized and brand new.  I believe all were donated to their family, probably by some well meaning church group - maybe even my own, and they were trying to cash it all in.  The kids were poorly dressed and looked a bit worn and haggard.  When the women found out they could not get cash or even store credit for their haul, but would have to wait for a check from our corporate headquarters, they gathered it all up and took it away.  I've been in a horrible mood ever since. 

I'm trying to not let the actions of two horrible woman color my response to the entire human race.  There are good people out there who appreciate the donations of well-meaning people.  At the moment I'm not inclined to share my bounty with anyone, or even include them in my prayers to a God they seem to not know.  Looks like it will be a reflective holiday for me.

End of the World

If the world is ending on December 21st, will it be ending every hour around the world? Will it end first in New Zealand and last in Hawaii? And what time specifically because I'm thinking its probably already the 21st in some part of the planet. I just need to know if I should iron pants for work tomorrow or have dessert. I want to use my last moments wisely.

Cold front

So a cold front is trying to push thru the area.  "Cold" is relative in south Texas - we should have chillier than normal temperatures by Friday, including the possibility of frost in the morning.  It will be in the 70's again Saturday so no need to rush out and purchase an actual coat.

Love sleeping in on those chilly mornings.  Snuggled under quilts with the windows open.  Yummy.  Even Tyson likes staying in bed then.

This is the handsome boy himself.  There is a bit more gray around that cute nose these days, but none of us are getting any younger.  He's snoring so loud I've turned off the TV.  It's a pre-bedtime nap.  Always good to warm up before the real thing.

I'll unearth a jacket and we'll go for a walk.  Hope he wants to sleep in tomorrow.  I know I do.

Christmas wishes

My dog, Tyson, had his Christmas wish come true last night.  My neighbor walked Tyson around 5:30 and fed him.  Such a lucky dog to have so many people who love him.  I got home from work around 6:30, walked.... then fed him dinner again!  Two dinners in one night!  Woo woo!  He slept well thru the night, but we were up at 6:30 to take care of business.   Unfortunately the complex where we live has auto-timed sprinklers... that came on just as he was, uh, getting into position to take care of business.  Now that the sun is up, we'll go out again and see if we can have a peaceful stroll.

Eye doctors, reading glasses and trombones

Went to the eye doctor yesterday. Told the initial-exam person that I was "playing the trombone" when trying to read - I moved my arm up and down to show her - trying to find the place where my eyes worked best. Thought I probably needed reading glasses.... when the doctor came in he asked how long I had been playing the trombone and did I play with a group?

I explained that I don't actually play the trombone - that its a figure of speech people use to show they might need reading glasses.... He said, oh, so you're not having trouble reading music when you play the trombone? It says here in your file you play the trombone.

Well, if it says it in the file it must be true. Apparently I now play the trombone.

I sort of need reading glasses - I only need one lens. The initial-exam person suggested I buy some reading glasses off-the-shelf and pop out one lens. Won't that be a good look? I wonder how that'll look while I'm playing the trombone.