Moments D642: Christmas in January

There are days when it is not easy to get out of bed.  

Today was one of those days.  

There are days when the weight of the world around you feels to be too much to bear.

Today was one of those days.  

There are days when your mind is simply unable to deal with one more choice.

Today was one of those days.  

There are days when your body says "Take a break girl."

Today was one of those days.  

Today was a slow starting day and though I wasn't feeling the best, I was very much looking forward to seeing BFF for the first time in 7.5 weeks.  Not only was I in great need for a big hug, I knew she had been cooking up a storm.  There was no way I was missing tonight's dinner.

Tonight was our Christmas dinner.  BFF promised me before I left that she would keep all of her Christmas decorations up until we had a chance to do our Christmas together.  It was an incredibly sweet gesture.  Tonight, being with my "chosen family", celebrating the meaning of the holidays was exactly what the doctor ordered.  Love, laughter and good food.  That soothes a soul.

Our Christmas dinner was incredible. Not only were the decorations up, but BFF cooked us a full turkey dinner.  But honestly, it wasn't so much the amazing food (which was indeed amazing!  The pictures below will prove it!), it was the love and support I found myself surrounded in.  That's what it is all about.

Moments feeling like you'd rather stay in bed with the covers over your head all day.

Moments realizing that sharing those feelings with loved ones help ease the pain.

An amazing Christmas dinner with two amazing souls:

Moments D631: The Hard Sell

Today, in the office we opened the last of the holiday treats.  There was a box of calendars for 2014 and a couple of boxes of holiday treats.  Panettone, Baci chocolates, another box of chocolates and yet another of Italian candies.

Just when we thought all the bad food influences of the season were behind us.

Not so much.  Today's moment comes from the fact that Chica is now in full steam ahead mode to get herself in shape for her upcoming nuptials in June.  She's not really dieting per se, but she is being very careful about what she's eating these days.

Enter the Baci chocolates, stage left.  Enter Chica stage right.

Oh, the look on her face was priceless.  It was obvious that she wanted one.  It was more obvious that she wasn't going to have one.

Enter our Art Director stage left.  Within seconds, he leaped at the opportunity to tease Chica and before anyone realized, he was in a full on hard sell of the Baci chocolates sitting in front of Chica.  What a hilarious moment, watching her squirm and him finding ever more delightful adjectives about the chocolate or why she shouldn't pass up on this "last" opportunity to enjoy the chocolate.

In the end, he won.  I think the fact that the Baci's have inspirational messages inside won Chica over.  That said, she didn't go quietly!  With a big huff and puff, she snagged a single Baci from it's nest and stomped out of our office and into hers.   So much for saying "I love you the Italian way!"

We all had a good chuckle at the theatrics.  That's a good moment!

Moments having too much fun in the office.

Moments enjoying the banter between co-workers.

Moments D629: Christmas in January

Today it was Christmas all over again.

No, not all the crazy hubbub that comes with Christmas proper.  No, this was an overdue Christmas gathering with my "sister" and her family.  My parents, EQ and I met them at the restaurant they chose.

Shortly after we arrived, and pleasantries were shared, my "sister" explained that dinner was on them.  This was our Christmas present this year because we were so darn hard to shop for.

I watched her as she spoke.  She was a little nervous as she played with the bracelet on her wrist.  I then notices that she was wearing both pieces of jewelry that I gave her for Christmas this year.  (YES! That's right, I managed to have my act together and left presents for her and her family before I went to California for Christmas!)    Too cute.

I was quick to share with her that this was the best Christmas present ever.  I explained that we all have enough STUFF, that for me, it's much more important to spend quality time with those I love.  Add in some delightful food and drink and voilà!  Perfection.

In the end, we all felt that way and the hours spent together are a testament to that point.  How so? We planned on having dinner early so EQ and I could get back into Toronto before it was too late. Four hours later, we were still very much enjoying deep discussions and laughter over a table of food and drink.

Laid back, full of love.  What more do I need?

Maybe one extra hug before getting into the car and heading separate ways.

Yes, it was a perfect Christmas present.

Moments with family celebrating the holidays.

Moments recognizing what's most important.

Moments D611: New Christmas Traditions

The first moment of my day was realizing that Santa found me in the middle of the ocean overnight!  I had a stocking of fun to open first thing.  That was followed by shared smiles between EQ and I as I opened his gift to me and he my gift to him.  All around that was a tender moment, broken by the flight of nerf darts shooting around our cabin.  (Silly, yes.  But aren't you supposed to be a little silly Christmas morning?)

But today's big moment was while we were snorkelling.  Yes, that's right, today my parents, EQ and I went snorkelling in St. Thomas.  Snorkelling on Christmas day.  How cool is that?

We saw sea turtles and reefs and lots of brightly coloured fish.  We were even visited by a large barracuda as we boarded the boat to head back into town.  It was spectacular, truly.

At one point I lifted my mask and snorkel from my face and said to EQ, "...this would be a lovely new family Christmas tradition.  I love the idea of snorkelling on Christmas day again!"

It was a great moment.  For my family, the holiday has never really been about the date.  It's about spending time with people you love.  And while I was missing some of my favourite people later today, I was also so very, VERY happy to have spent the day doing something I love (snorkelling) with some of the people I love! What a beautiful combination!

Moments breaking tradition.

Moments realizing that new activity could be a new tradition.

Moments D580: Counsellor

Today I had my (16th!) annual Christmas dinner with two of my dearest friends.  What an interesting evening it ended up being.  None of us were really in the Christmas spirit, after all, it's early even if there is snow on the ground.

I arrived to a shot of Screech and to the host setting up a roaring fire in the family room.  What an incredible Christmas-like start to our evening.

But, soon after our conversation shifted from our catch-up pleasantries into what felt like a counselling session.  I found myself in this world of sharing insights and ideas with my two dear friends each who felt a little uncertain with their perspective.  At first, I felt like I was in over my head, but slowly, somehow, the pieces fell into place and I could not only hear each side of the story, but I could see where the disconnect between the pieces were and we united to seam it all back together again.

Before I knew it we were in the thick of deep conversation digging ever deeper to find solutions.  Certainly not very Christmas-like!   That said, I loved every moment of being the middle man for them and offering what I could for a different perspective on the situation at hand.  I think I might even have been helpful too.  Time will tell I suppose.

In the end, our annual Christmas evening together wasn't typical, but it sure was a beautiful none-the-less as we tried to solve the world's problems together.  An intimate, emotional, give and take.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening.

Moments solving problems together with friends.

Moments expecting to be full of frivolity, instead filled with deep meaning.

Moments D244: From the mouths of babes

Today was a day filled with love and warm soul reviving energy. Messages of holiday wishes were shared upon waking this morning and came from far and wide. It was a magical morning as we woke to a fine dusting of snow. Yes, it was Christmas day!

But the best moment was when I finally had a moment to sit with my six-year old nephew and have a bit of a chat. He teased me that he was ready for his presents. I teased him back that I hadn’t brought any. He giggled and then tried to convince me I had. I held my ground that I hadn’t. And then, something clicked with him. You could see it in his eyes. He turned away from the racing game on the TV that his brother and cousins were playing and looked me square in the eye and said “That’s okay, it’s not about presents. It’s about family and friends.” I couldn’t have had a prouder moment than that. I hugged him and asked him if he’d really be happy if I had come without presents and we were just going to hang out and play some games. The words were barely out of my mouth when he said “of course!”. Then I squeezed him a little tighter and whispered in his ear that I did bring a little something for him. And he giggled and squealed “I KNEW IT!” and we giggled together. It was quite a beautiful moment.

I can’t tell you how much his words meant to me. He and his brother have many aunts and uncles and therefore see lots and lots and lots of gifts during special occasions. It’s such a beautiful thing to hear that they see the bigger picture.

Moments to appreciate the bigger picture.

Moments with family and loved ones.

Moments D228: Unexpected Concerts

Today I slept in and then lounged in bed a bit.  It was warm and cozy unlike the cold, dreary day I awoke to. (Another perfect study day though!)

I was a good student. I worked hard to get through my notes. And I ploughed through quite a bit! But, I won't lie, I was bored.  So, when I was asked to fill for an a cappella concert, I really couldn't resist!

Company that made me smile, music that made me sing, and a group that was inspiring to watch.

The best moment at this unexpected concert outing tonight was when the "meat and potatoes" worked with the crowd to create an interactive song. (of course I sang along!) It was absolutely fantastic!

And yes - we bought the CD. Actually BOTH. Their Christmas CD too! Check out their rendition of "Carol of the Bells".
Moments to enjoy an unexpected concert with beautiful voices.

Moments with the music.

Moments D208: Christmas Music

Today’s moment came about due to a letter I got in the mail on Friday. I haven’t had a chance to read it or go over the details until just today. It was from XM Radio. My trial period with the satellite radio will end early in January 2013. This saddens me as I have truly enjoyed their services, but at $15 a month, it seems a little silly to pay for music in the car when I’m rarely in the car. Sure I can add another $4 to my monthly bill and get XM radio on my phone and via internet. That might make it more valuable as I could then listen to it at work and at home. I’ve enjoyed the random smattering of new music outside of my comfort zone and this will be a loss in my musical world. Thought provoking indeed, but not the point of this post. So while I lean towards letting the subscription lag, I am, today, enjoying two of their latest stations.

Once upon a time I used to really love Christmas. The carols, the decorations and most importantly (for me), spending good quality time with my family and friends. Over the years that excitement has waned. I can’t really explain it. I suppose part of it was that my ex wasn’t very excited about Christmas and it was always so much energy to get him involved with it. The other part? I’m never home for Christmas. It’s easy for me to travel to others. I’m the odd duck out. So it’s hard to get excited to set up decorations when I won’t be home to see them. Add school into the mix (and final exams a week before Christmas) and Christmas has lost its lustre.

And yet, today while flipping through the XM radio stations to see what else I’d miss out on should I not sign up, I found not one, but TWO Christmas Music stations. I can’t tell a lie. It wasn’t long before I was singing along with Bing and Frank and Nat and SMILING. It was a flicker of a spark. Could it be that the Christmas spirit is alive within? Perhaps it will catch and alight in flame. Something stirs within to pull out the decorations and lights. Maybe it’s time to revisit a past love.

Moments to revisit & re-evaluate.

Moments with music.