The 2008 holidays began with the necessity of buying new tires for my car. It was an expense I hadn’t planned for until after the New Year, but as the saying goes, “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” So, I accepted the fact that I had to put $900 into the car.
I started the Christmas week at work, but it felt somewhat pointless as my entire venue team was gone, and I think my department was one of the few with more than five people present. Unable to accomplish much, I left a bit early on Monday. By 5:00 p.m., I had decided to drive down to Seattle on Tuesday, so I packed the car and a bag.
I also agreed to give a couple of friends a ride to the airport on my way out of town, which was no bother since it was on my route to the border! Speaking of the border, on the way there, I passed by seven accidents, mostly caused by people driving too fast for the conditions. It’s a reminder that four-wheel drive doesn’t mean four-wheel stop on ice. Thankfully, none of the accidents appeared to have any fatalities.
Crossing the border is always a challenge, and I particularly enjoy the questions like, “What are you doing in Canada and why are you visiting the US?”
After an uneventful but long drive to Seattle, I met up with S and her friends. They were a great bunch, knowledgeable about theatre and darts, and they could drink with the best of them! I’m glad to have met them and look forward to seeing them again in the future.
Christmas Eve is always a bit challenging, but it was good to see everyone, especially my brother, J. Having his birthday on Christmas Eve is a bit tough, but that’s life, and you can’t escape it!
The big day started with a phone call at 4:30 a.m. from E. She still struggles with the time difference, but it was wonderful to hear from her! If someone has to wake me up at 4:30 a.m. on Christmas Day, at least it was her and not some niece or nephew exclaiming, “Santa’s been here!” Yes, I know I used to be the first one up for years, but I’ve outgrown that, so let me be in the morning! It was great to catch up with E quickly, and I hope to hear from her again soon!
The day itself was good, with a nice nap in the afternoon, a huge turkey dinner, and a showing of “The Dark Knight”! I’m not sure if my aunt knew what she was getting into, but it was fun to watch with my sister, her husband, and my brother. Of course, I think I’m the only one who watched the whole thing; everyone else fell asleep at some point during the movie.
Boxing Day found me driving back to the mainland, as my folks live on an island. I headed back to S’s house for a Boxing Day party. It was a bit exciting getting there, but I had a blast with S’s friends. The two friends I had met at the beginning of the trip were also at the party, so it was good to see them again and have a few more words before I headed north.
I managed to get back to Vancouver on Saturday and didn’t leave the house until New Year’s Eve. It was great to just relax and not have to be anywhere or have any plans. Some might call it lazy, but I would just call it a holiday in my own apartment.
New Year’s Eve was a bit off; I wasn’t feeling like partying much, but I made the effort. I guess I hit my stride around midnight and went a little nuts at the pub. I’m pretty sure we closed the place down, and I didn’t get to bed until at least 5:00 a.m. I didn’t manage to get out of bed until noon, and I didn’t feel right until about 8:00 p.m.
I’d give the 2008 holidays an 8 out of 10 for an overall score. It was pretty average, but I’m glad I was around this year for the family, as who knows what will happen for the 2009 holidays. After all, it’s going to be pretty busy for me and a lot of friends.
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