Friday, December 31, 2010

Holy Hogmanay!

Wait. What? 

I said... Holy friggin' Hogmanay Batman! Can't you hear?

It's the last day of the year... How the hell did that happen? In a matter of hours, this fine (*cough*) 2010 shall soon fade away in a draught cider & food induced haze, sneaked ciggies in the car park (*cough*), fireworks at midnight, and the laughter of sugar-crazed children wafting up from the basement of our friends' West Seattle home. Thank the heavens too that the kids won't have to be cooped up inside with all the adults this year, as it's been sunny and clear for the past few days here in Seattle. For all I care, they can run about like mad little bunnies outside in the crisp 20-something degree air.  

Bundle up! Whee! And Happy New Year, you little maniacs!

By the way,  Hogmanay is a Scottish tradition. We used to play a fun game of the same name at my childhood friends New Years Eve bashes back in CA. But they're Irish/German so who knows where the heck they got it? We just liked the sound of it. It's funny. Especially when you're drunk. Just sayin'.

Some day, I'd love to travel back to Edinburgh and participate in the 4-day Hogmanay celebrations there. That would be awesome. I loved Edinburgh when I was there a 1,000 years ago (okay, it was actually 1989 and I was 22 years old, which is almost 1,000 years ago). I have to also say, there are very few things that get me half as riled up as a Scotsman in a kilt (*cough*), or a dozen Highland pipes blaring mournful tunes across verdant fields. It stokes a fire in me people. FIRE.

Ah, but I digress. It's New Year's Eve my friends. And that means it's time to bid this past year adieu and move forward into 2011. I'm ready. Are you? 

This has been an interesting year, to say the least. My job-search has been a series of ups and downs in the last 2 months since I began my search in earnest, but I'm actually hopeful that I'll land an awesome job sooner rather than later. I can't allow myself to believe otherwise. Why would I? That's not how I roll. Dexy is well and a typical crazy 4 and 1/2 year old. Her dad is settling in to a life in Seattle, though I suspect he's not settling in too well with the cold. HaHa. The house is holding together. My friends are awesome. I still love it here as much as ever. This city is pretty much my version of heaven on earth.

And so is with hope that I wish you a wonderful New Year ahead. May it be all you wish for, and more. May it be prosperous, fun, adventurous, filled with love and laughter, and most of all, may it hold a PEACEFUL outcome for all.

Meanwhile, I lovingly (and smirking-ly) provide the following for all those of you who don't actually know the lyrics yet want to sing it at the top of your lungs this very night without looking (too) foolish... Cheers! See y'all in 2011!

*******************************************************

Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since days of auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS

Friday, December 24, 2010

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Not a creature was stirring, not even our little mouse... Happy Christmas Everyone!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

All I want for Christmas is...

I just lurves me some pork. Ham in particular. My pretend husband, Mr. Tony Bourdain has it right, piggies are one of the most perfect foods. And what's not to like? Ham, bacon, sausage, prosciutto, roast pork loin, ham hocks (for homemade split pea soup), pork rinds, pulled pork, pork bellies, pâté de campagne, Rillettes, pork chops and applesauce...  
* d r o o l *

So hey, dear Santa! Can I have a lovely glazed ham for Christmas dinner please? I promise I'll be good. No really, I will. Oh, while you're at it, I'd also love some cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, sweet corn casserole, some yummy greens (braised spinach with bacon perhaps, or fresh green beans?), pecan pie... you get the idea. I'll leave the Trophy cupcakes and milk by the fire place. Thanks in advance. Love forever and ever, Me.

P.S. Not to be a bother, but a little help w/ the gift wrapping would be most excellent as well. Thanks a million!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Visions of Sugar Plums. Or Some Such Nonsense.

Today would have been my dad's 86th birthday. I'm really missing him, and my mom as well, especially since she was the Queen of making the holidays totally AWESOME (and I'm so not). Yeah, yeah. I'm feeling the usual sense of loss and grief that comes with missing my family this time of year. No surprises there right? But to be honest, it's never been a particularly joyful time for me, even when they were alive. I've always had these little-girl-like sugar plum visions for a Norman Rockwell-esque holiday, but most of the time it was more like The Simpsons. That said, I still manage to have many fond memories of a zillion wondrous and magical Christmas mornings (thanks Mom, I know that was ALL your doing).

Before I get too morose, let's just say it's that super special time of year when I get all wistful for my Christmas Past. Wait. How did I get on the subject of Christmas anyway? Oy. Anyhoo, I went poking around in my office closet earlier today and I found some old, and not so terrible, pictures where we actually look like a (kinda) happy family.

My dad and I may not always have seen eye to eye, but he was still my hero and I was cuckoo crazy about him. I hope somehow he knows that now. Happy birthday dad. I miss you.


Mom, Dad and Me (vacation in FL circa 1983/84)

Xmas in CA (Dad, Brother Bri, Mom and Me circa 1994)














Dad and Me - Sept 1972





















Dad and Grandpa 1925


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Happy Christmas

Best. Christmas. Song. Ever. 
(for this old punk anyway)


"So happy christmas 

I love you baby 
I can see a better time 
Where all our dreams come true..."