It could also be that my current location happens to be in New York where they are experiencing the worst winter snow storm/blizzard since 2006. Yes, the toilet seat is freezing. No, I have not set foot outside since my fingers almost froze from walking home from the grocery store. I have been home bound for the last 2 days. I have watched enough television and reruns of NCIS to last me through the next year, I'm caught up with football and sleep and I are in the healthiest stage of our relationship.
Then in the evening we heard the ugly news. A storm was on it's way to NY that will pretty much shut down the city for the next 2 days. It's the second evening and I'm going a bit stir crazy. The snow piled high outside the door, mass transit still suspended and the roads still not fit to be driven at this point. We have been watching the news like a hawk to stay up to date. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a better day.
Let's rewind to the days leading up to this cold winter night...
Deflating from all the holiday parties, drinking, felting (i'll explain)... I was a busy lil' elf; working overtime in Santa's workshop. This year, I took on extra projects both at work and on the home front and enjoyed every minute.
My prior position at work left me in isolation 90% of the time. With no colleagues to speak of, it was difficult to promote any charitable initiatives especially since I would have been the chair person and it's only member. Now, I am 1 of 90+ people in my department, hence making it more feasible to appeal to the group for help. My chosen cause was to adopt a family. With the generous help of all my friends/colleagues, we all collectively fulfilled a family's wish this holiday season. The adopted family consisted of the dad, mom, 8 year old boy and a newborn girl. I asked Santa for a miracle this year and a miracle I got. The minimum requirement that we needed to fulfill was to provide the family with at least 1 of their wish list item and a $100 grocery gift certificate. I got to work and sent out my plea, walked around with my gold Adopt a Family donation box, sent my intention out to the Universe and she responded very generously.
The family received over $300 worth of grocery and visa gift card on top of all the donated toys, clothing and other gifts. I was so overwhelmed by the turn out. I cried tears of joy at work as the donations started pouring in on the last day of the campaign. I learned the lesson of having faith in people. Good things will come to good people. The adopted family definitely received their Christmas miracle.
What's next on the list?
Christmas projects:
Before the partying, I worked on my presents for the girls and the special someone. This year, I went back to basics and made my gifts for the lovely ladies. Well, half made presents. I made little cut outs of animals out of felt material and glued it on the store bought gloves. I had SOOO much fun making them. Each animal represents what they like or what I think best fits their individual personalities.
Finally, Party!!! And partied I did - at home and outside with my beloved friends...
At home:
Outside with my Southbay ladies:
At Zairina's
Getting to and Jetting to:
The festivities ended 3:00 am Thurs/Fri on Dec 23rd just in time for me to catch some desperately needed sleep and then get packing for my trip to NY.
I flew out on Christmas Eve - the flight was on time, I got through security sans pat down. It was a very smooth flight. I slept through most of it. My single serving friend was friendly enough but also kept his safe distance. I got in at 6:39am on Christmas day - half an hour earlier than the scheduled arrival...smooth sailing.
First things first. Everyone knows I love celebrating birthdays and of course the ultimate birthday in my book is none other than baby Jesus (^_^)
I started my day in the City by attending a mass at the beautiful St Patrick's Cathedral.
Right after the mass - looking for a place to eat...
Stopped quickly at Rockefeller Center. I wanted to go ice skating but the line looped around the rink...Mon Dieu!
Sesame crusted ahi tuna at Bobby Van's...yum!
Then in the evening we heard the ugly news. A storm was on it's way to NY that will pretty much shut down the city for the next 2 days. It's the second evening and I'm going a bit stir crazy. The snow piled high outside the door, mass transit still suspended and the roads still not fit to be driven at this point. We have been watching the news like a hawk to stay up to date. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a better day.
Having S n O w much fun!
Shovel - part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Alas, I return to my old mantra - Everything is Fine, Not Final. Tomorrow WILL be a better day. I will wake up in the morning and recite my morning gratitude. Even something as simple as being alive deserves a nod, as it is quite a feat if you stop and think about it. We're all so fleshy, soft and fragile yet somehow able to dodge speeding cars, sharks, lightning, second hand smoke, fast food, finger pointing and snow blizzards. If you're reading this, you're WAY above average because you have ELECTRICITY AND some kind of communication device that enables you to connect to the most expansive community we The Human have ever seen.
My celebration mantra I share with to you is this:
Be AWEsome!
Write it somewhere where you can be reminded of how wonderful you are - where you can high five yourself for having been up to big things and doing it well. The mirror is a great place for affirmations. Brush your teeth and stroke your ego at the same time. You deserve it. After all, quality of life is only the way YOU define it.
The future is here for us to be amped, to be motivated, to remind each other that each is doing amazing things. Create this world as so and it will transform itself into a place of wonder right before our eyes.
Complete pics here:
Dear Santa,
Thank you for my Christmas miracle. I am where I'm supposed to be. I have what I need. I've got my hands full of my beloved. I know why I didn't get my dancing pole. Apparently, that'll put me on the 'naughty list' (^_-)
Your #1 fan,
Jakey
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