Well, I've found myself in an interesting situation. Last year when Brian and I stayed in Alaska for the holidays we said we would never do it again. As much as I hate the shopping and the music and the crowds and the stress and the whole consumer aspect of Christmas, there are many things about Christmas that I love. And I find myself here in Anchorage, missing those things.
I like the tape of Nat King Cole that my mom has been playing while decorating the tree every year since I was born. I like the party my aunt Pammy throws on Christmas Eve, which is the only night of the year that I get to see most of my extended family. I like that my Aunt Carol makes mimosas on Christmas while we open our presents at Nana's. I like going to my best friend Kate's parents house late night on Christmas Eve to have a few beers and hang out with friends that I never get to see. I like the cookies. I like the wine. I like the tradition.
But alas, I am here in Anchorage. Alone. I can't even bake cookies because my oven is broken. It's dark. Sounds depressing right? Not really. I talked to my friend Kate on the phone today and she reassured me that if anyone would take this situation and have fun with it would be me. So I'm trying to do that. I have three days off to do whatever I want. That never happens.
I mean, I have weekends off all the time, but it always seems like in between climbing and spending time in the mountains, there is a mad rush around to do all my chores and run errands. I'm already packed for my trip and I have three unexpected days with no real responsibility and it's kinda nice.
Last night I stayed up until 3am watching movies and reading books. Today I started my day off by sleeping in until 10:30. When I finally rolled out of bed I took the dogs for a long walk in the morning and then made a giant breakfast burrito and a cup of coffee.
I packed up a bag with lunch and hot tea, bundled up in my warmest layers, and took Brian's snow bike out for a ride on the coastal flats around 1. It was about 5 degrees and clear. It's been so cold lately that the city is covered in white frost, plus there is fresh blanket of snow covering everything. I had a slight mishap (I'm and idiot) while riding and ended up having to walk the bike back to the house, but I was just glad to be out in the sun with no responsibilities to come home to.
For dinner I made myself a big pot of clam chowder with crusty bread and salad. I'm about to pour myself a glass of wine and get in the hot tub. I'd say it's not such a bad Christmas Eve after all...
Merry Christmas to everyone! And if you are spending time with your family this Christmas, don't take it for granted!
3 comments:
Sounds pretty sweet. Good lemonade indeed. Merry Christmas.
Hi Julie
Sadly I don't always take the time to read your Blog, because a. I fear that I will have nightmares thinking of all of the adventurous/crazy things that you are doing in AK, b. I don't like spending long hours on the computer and c. I forget. I know, two of those are really lame. I just read the "situation the cancelled flight in the nights before ChristmHi Julie
Sadly I don't always take the time to read your Blog, because a. I fear that I will have nightmares thinking of all of the adventurous/crazy things that you are doing in AK, b. I don't like spending long hours on the computer and c. I forget. I know, two of those are really lame. I just read the "situation the cancelled flight in the nights before Christmas" and enjoyed hearing "your favorite things" about Christmas. It's interesting how certain things just "speak" Christmas. I don't consider myself a particularly sentimental person (which you have probably inherited from me), but certain traditions, especially at Christmastime, are comforting like the Mat King Cole tape. I think that living far away from family and friends definitely makes you appreciate us and the "no place like home life" more. When I called and asked how you were doing on Christmas day, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that you had "made lemonade" ( a trait that, I believe comes from both sides of the family)! Mom
I usually don't go home for the holidays, but always have friends around. This year, like you, I was alone. And I found myself thinking the exact as you... at first being bummed but then realizing that it was such a great opportunity to do something fun. I spent Christmas Day volunteering and hanging out with my dog. It was one of the best holidays ever.
Glad yours was good as well.
Cheers!
Rachel
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