Life in Beta

Currently on the to-do list for the long-weekend: repaint the bathroom. Ugh.

(More Wordless Wednesday posts.)

My childhood Christmas mornings were always just the three of us — Mom, Daddy, and me. For the first time in quite a few years, we got to be just the three of us again on Christmas morning. It felt really good to relive those childhood memories of opening gifts with my parents before the rest of the family arrived.

Dad, as you can see in the picture, was apparently a very good boy this year. Santa brought him one heck of a haul! Lots of clothes, a wood chisel set, and an electronic golf score keeper were a few of his gifts. I knitted him a new hat too.

Dad and I went out on Wednesday afternoon to go gift shopping for my mom. (‘Cause like most men, he’s a last-minute shopper!) We had a good time picking out things off her wishlist, and by the looks of that smile, I think she was happy with what we picked out too!

My grandparents came over later in the day. That’s my Grandma Rita in the photo. I know my old friends who read this blog will probably hardly recognize her. Emphysema has really taken it’s toll, especially in the past year. But she’s an extremely tough woman and she’s doing her best to not let it slow her down. Spending Christmas with her was the single most important thing to me this year, and I’m glad I was able to do so.

Of course, who can forget Kodi-dogger? He loves Christmas. For the several days leading up to the holiday, he spent every night laying under the Christmas tree, waiting expectantly. Mom said he’d done that ever since she put the tree up. It’s as if he knows that Christmas tree = new dog toys. He was actually the first family member on Christmas morning to get to rip into his packages. He loves opening gifts and he got lots of toys and treats. When his toys were all opened, he “helped” the rest of us rip paper of our packages too. I don’t think I’ve ever met a dog that enjoyed Christmas quite as much as he does.

Late on Christmas day, my friends descended on the house and round 3 of gift-opening was under way, musical instruments were busted out, and much silliness and laughter ensued…

Excuse the crappy photos from my cell phone. By this point in the evening I’d gotten too lazy to mess with a “real” camera. Also probably too drunk, thanks to the lovely homemade wine Alan and Erica brought with them! (Heh.)

I’m so grateful to have ended 2009 on such a high note, spending time with so many loved ones. Hopefully this is a preview of good things to come in 2010!

Just some snapshots from the last few days back home. Click for descriptions/larger images.

Me, Nelson Mandela and my fake-ass-psuedo-Ugg-boots from Payless are off on our long drive to Pennsylvania!

Wish us luck and favorable driving conditions! And while I’m gone, feel free to stalk me via Twitter, if you wish.