MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I don't know about ya'll, but I am totally exhausted! I am so glad I have today and tomorrow to recuperate before returning to work on Saturday (ugh).

Visiting Nay-nay in Austin was a blast! On Sunday night, we went to the Alamo Drafthouse downtown, to their Xmas Pop Sing-a-long. They showed old Christmas music videos and TV specials on the screen with the words underneath and you sing along (duh) to such greats as the Muppets, The Grinch, and Last Christmas (Wham!). They gave us props (Santa hats, bubbles, candles) and they even had a snow machine! For the last song, we all stood and put our arms around each other and sang Happy Christmas (War is Over) and I won't lie, I got all teary. It was a lovely moment.

But the best part was afterwards. The Drafthouse host invited us all to go "rogue caroling," where we got song books and wandered around 6th Street, surrounding unsuspecting victims and singing Classics like Jingle Bell Rock and Dick in a Box. It was HILARIOUS! We even sang Baby, It's Cold Outside, with the girls on one side of the street and the guys (all 5 of them) on the other side. People laughed, honked, took pictures of us, and looked embarrassed as Hell when we followed them. It was great fun.

We spent the following day shopping at the Keep Austin Bizarre Bazaar (lots of cool and weird stuff) and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (beautiful art and jewelry out of our price range). We drove around town, ate and drank too much, and just had the best time. I was in low spirits and being silly and mindless with her was just what I needed.

Yesterday I got up early and went to my parent's house to help my sister clean in preparation for the party. Then, I made my special sangria (I bought wine at the outlet mall!) and all the dips as well. I then came home, wrapped gifts, did a quick load of laundry, got ready, and hauled ass back to the parent's house to finish preparations.

It was a very nice party. JP spent HOURS settting up his Rokenbock toys for the kids to play with (my aunt has 12 grandkids between the ages of 2-18) and it was a hit! You couldn't keep the kids away. As one said, "It's like a real live video game!" *facepalm*

But we had fun and after my aunt's brood left, we opened presents. I got gift certificates to Amazon, Borders, and Office Max (yay, time for a new computer chair), and JP gave me a lovely stained glass window to go over the front door transom. The best gift of the night was for my sister and her husband, from JP (of course).

As some of you may know, my sister is something of a fanatic when it comes to rescuing stray animals. She has a big heart and expends a lot of money, time, and effort into rescuing dogs and cats. Her husband doesn't care for it, but he lets her do as she likes. So, for their gift, JP bought a movie poster from the new film Hotel for Dogs, took some funny pictures of Mike and Paula, pasted their heads on the two characters' bodies, and framed it. It was very well-done and had the entire family holwing in laughter. Good stuff.

The most beautiful gift I received was from ixiepixie , who made me to COOLEST Totoro knit hat and sent us lots and lots of pocky. Thank you, Julie! You are the best!

I will be the first to admit that, to me, it hasn't really felt like Christmas. Usually, I get all excited and watch and rewatch my favorite Christmas movies, obsessively listen to Christmas music, bake goodies, and just radiate happiness. But this year, while not quite the Grinch, I still have not felt full of the holiday spirit. But in the end, everything worked out well. I was able to spend some time with family and friends and in that, my heart found some contentment.

So, today and tomorrow I will be enjoying the calmness and cleaning my bedroom, as it looks like the Ghost of Christmas present exploded in here...

Have a great day, everyone!