Traditions

Today I hosted my local co-workers for a little holiday brunch and chat. I thought it might nicer than going to a restaurant. Plus, I wanted to share my cozy, fun, Christmas-kind of threw-up decorations (especially since I barely had anything out last year).

Not too big of a deal, since there are only 5 of us total. We could easily fit inside my shoebox of a house and enjoy eachother's company.

When deciding what to make, my brain immediately went to our family favorites. I made the things my mom has made for years for our Christmas Eve celebration (before going to Midnight Mass). I start to feel full just thinking about it....yum!

I knew it took some time and some planning, but really didn't think much of it. My whole life, I was always a helper, not the cook. I have a whole new respect for my mom, my grandmas and aunts for all their time spent stirring, spooning, rolling, and crafting. I always appreciated their efforts, but now I do even more. But traditions call for all that. Tradition (in my world) doesn't come from a box. It comes from taking the time to make things from scratch, from planning ahead, and from the joy of being surrounded by those you love.

We had a lovely brunch. And it all tasted good, if I do say so myself.

But dang was I ready to put my feet up!

Big hugs and thanks to my mom, my grandmas, and my aunts for your years of delicious indulgence. My waistline shows the love. ;)

Jolly Mr. Mailman

It is no secret to anyone I know that I love real mail.

Don't get me wrong any correspondance is nice, but there's nothing better than getting something other than junk or a bill in your mailbox.

I come from a family of letter writers, so my mailbox may be filled more regularly than most others. (Have I mentioned I am lucky?)

I try my best to continue that tradition by sending fun mail to friends, family and collegues at various times of the year. I always enjoy seeing a little envelope among the other junk.

And now it's Christmas time! It's time for Christmas cards. I love it!

Every day I open the mailbox and there is at least one envelope that is fun mail. It makes my heart happy.

Even more fun are unexpected packages! (well, let's be honest a long awaited order from Amazon.com at your door is pretty great too!). But an unexpected box tucked into the door jam is such a delight. Two days in a row that has happened at my house. It's just so fun!

Part of me thinks I should put them under the tree and wait until Christmas Eve to open them, but screw that! I open them almost as soon as I can get the scissors out from the kitchen drawer! And it's so good.

I know I am loved everyday. But today after opening packages and some Christmas cards, the words and thoughts of those I love are right in front of me. It's like getting a hug (in the mail).

If every person had one person who makes them feel this way, the world would be such a better place. I am so grateful.

Good tidings

"Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

It's that time of the year. Christams. It means different things to different people for every reaons imaginable. For me, it has always meant a warm, coxy home filled with sights, smells, and people I love. It means celebrating with friends and family. It means traditions- both old and new. And it means giving of yourself and to others.

In high school, I started to save all my change and would fill my pockets and drop the spare change in the Salvation Army buckets anytime I went anywhere-- as soon as they were out. Some friends thought I was crazy, but it was just spare change and could help someone. I didn't find it embarassing in the least. And ever since, I have found something to do to give of myself each year.

Last year, for whatever reason I couldn't find that Christmas spirit. Literally it took some time with the munchkins and a drive by Clark Griswold's Michigan home before I even felt a little of the Christmas magic. This year I am back to normal. Nearing St. Nicholas Day I was excited for the season. Maybe it was all that early advertising? I mean it started in September in some places.

While my spirit may have been influenced by those ads, they definately didn't influence my purchasing dollars. As of today, I have only bought gifts for the munchkins. No one else. Luckily my family is celebrating in January (due to scheduling and want of time with one another).

Anyway-- back to where I found my spirit. The week after Thanksgiving I was starting to get worried that it would be hard to find again this year, but a random trip to Target made me find it. (weird and sounds a little sad at first, but wait...). As I said I was at Target, completely with the intention of buying myself some new couch pillows. I have spent LOTS of time in my living room lately (office and lounging) and needed a mini winter refresh. I had spotted the pillows on an earlier random adventure with two good friends.

When I walked into the store, I stopped at the $1 Spot (as I always do. I mean you never know what awesomeness you could find there for just $1). This occassion I found some fun little kid things and immediately thought of my friend KP. She and her mom are part of my Seattle family and appreciate the fun of St. Nicholas Day. Last year, St Nick had made a trip to their house and the $1 spot reminded me that St. Nick should go again. As soon as it started, I got giggly and excited thinking of the things that would be a surprise (and maybe needed) on Tuesday morning when they woke up for school. That St. Nick shopping did it. The giving of good tidings (okay not tidings but things) to another. I knew it would put a smile on their faces no matter what kind of a morning it was (and it turns out it was a very very very not good one).

Since that shopping trip, I have that same feeling of warmth. The Christmas spirit.

I make sure to fill a pocket with some spare change and brighten the day of the homeless man down the block, buy coffee for the person in line behind me or let that person go ahead of me in line.

"Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

And while these gestures of kindness should be part of daily and regular life, this time of the year brings stress and worry for many so a little extra kindness never hurt anyone. In fact, it feels warm and fuzzy.

Civic responsibility

For the past two days I served my jury duty summons. I get called every few years and this is the first time I actually had to show up.

As you read, I had to take the bus. I was a commuter for a few days and am ever more grateful for the fact that my normal commute is the twenty feet from my bedroom to my desk in the living room. No worries about traffic or bus delays. The alarm clock is the only thing that stands in my way---that is if I set it for the correct time.

After the adventures of commuting, I reported for my first jury duty experience.

What a boring experience.

The shining spot was the woman who ran the show. She was friendly and informative. More than can be said for most folks in such a thankless role. She works with all of humanity. And beleive me, all of humanity was present in the jury assembly room- my home away from home for two days. Before being selected for a trial you could possibly be called into a jury filter courtroom multiple times.

I guess I was lucky and was only put into one trial and was dismissed following the longest process known to man (in my opinion).

The process to pick a jury is a tedious and arduous one. I do not envy anyone in the judicial system. And mean from the judges to the clerks to the lawyers to the defendants. What a process!

As a new observer, no matter how many times I was told, this is a great system-- the best in the world. I don't beleive it. As a person that has a tendency to do anything in the most efficient manner possible, this system was appaulingly inefficient.

It's a wonder to me that anything is ever decided.

Ever.

After being dismissed I was more than relieved. And now it seems like I have two more years to forgot about the experience and look upon a summons with the exuberance of one fellow juror who said she was honored when it arrived at her home.

As an American, I suppose I should feel that way. I should feel good that things are done in the name of justice. But even with all safe guards, I still have to wonder if the way it's done, is really the best way.

back on a bus.

And after the longest hiatus ever. (sorry my loyal readers, life just got a little busy and I decided to be social instead of blogging when I had a free minute.) I have made notes for the months that have gone by and if motivated (or stuck inside on a rainy day), I may update...we'll see.

Anyway, I am back. And am making my repost with bus adventures. :)
I received a jury summons about a month ago and today was the day. Included with the summons was a bus pass. Now, I took the bus a few times when I first moved to Seattle. Because it's that kind of town. But I quickly learned, I am not really that kind of person. Plus, I can avoid traffic-filled times of day because I don't commute further than the local coffee shop.
So, I was trying to figure out where to park, etc and asked a friend who recently went. Parking in downtown Seattle is pricey, so she suggested the bus. I did a little more research and leanred that I could go directly from the stop a few blocks away right to the front door of the courthouse. Not too bad. (And it would be free!).
So, I checked the schedule, made a plan and headed to the bus stop at 7:15 this morning.
To be honest, I was a little nervous. But I was just a commuter. No big deal.
The bus I needed to take was packed. There was no place to move and I had to stand the whole ride to 3rd and James (25 minutes). And of course, the smelliest dude EVER chose (or was shoved) right into me and just stayed put. Sadly, I could not go anywhere further. Ugh. So I had to stand there and try desperately not to throw up.
I arrived at my destination on time and breathed a huge breath of fresh air before spending most of the sunny day inside a court building. (I'll share more about that another day...)
At day's end, back to bus I went. This time there was space on the bus. I could sit.
There was also space for everyone to have their own row.
But I appartently look warm and inviting, so the sketchiest woman on the bus sat right next to me and started to talk to me. I swear I NEVER made eye contact.
Luckily she got off the bus where the free zone ended and the rest of the commute was weirdo free.
I am impressed by the system here, but still have some reservations. I attract weirdos. Weirdos ride public transit (airplanes included). Typically whenever possible, I avoid putting myself in these situations.
But I report again tomorrow and will do the whole thing once again. We'll see if it gets any better...