look what I did to my hands, I broke 'em
Monday, December 28, 2009 6:21 PM , 0 comments
Labels: Christmas
So much Christmas updating. So much Christmas celebrating.
Christmas eve was spent at Joanna and Mark's abode in Ballard. They really have a cute home, nicely situated for a small gathering. But with 12 adults and two babies it was a little much. The whole night was spent stepping around each other and trying to avoid the numerous animals and baby toys scurrying about. Little did we know that Brian and I were supposed to bring food for ourselves, so when it came time for dinner and having found that everything was laden with bacon we were thankful we had large lunches. Is it too much to ask that maybe you leave the bacon out of some of the plates on the table? You know someone is coming who doesn't eat meat... maybe mashed potatoes and stuffing don't need the bacon. Brian isn't even picky. You can use the same serving utensil on your turkey as you might to serve sweet potatoes and he won't flip, you can even put the turkey right next to him without him turning his nose up at it. Running across a non-preachy vegetarian seems rare, so appreciate it! I'm not saying you should make a Tofurky, but maybe be a little considerate for someone you know you're inviting. If I were to have a party at my house I would make something that everyone would enjoy. That would be like having a celiac friend and not providing anything for them to eat... AND, a personal pet peeve of mine, please don't use fake mashed potatoes on a holiday and claim they are real. Never have I had a gluey potato that wasn't from a box (and stop trying to tell me your green beans aren't canned... come on, I used to eat these straight out of the can, you didn't even put any pepper on them). Have I mentioned that Brian's family is always bombarding with me alcohol? Corona, wine, aktkavit! Anything adult and they are trying to get me to drink it with them. Did I also mention that I received a candle as my secret santa gift? Whoopee.
Friday, totally my day. I am so much more comfortable being with my family. Everyone speaks English and there are no babies to contend with. We arrived to a wonderful spread of deviled eggs, cinnamon rolls, cookies and other little morsels to nosh on. There is general chaos of animals and people milling about, but nothing I can't handle. It's just always so much more relaxed there. I can wear pajamas if I want, I can nap on the couch, I could bring a book if I wanted to and no one would care! Not to mention, my family is awesome about gifts. I always receive something thoughtful and surprising. And, Valerie can cook. Her food is really good, especially her stuffed peppers. Our nights run long, but fun. We whipped out the new Scrabble board and had a blast with dessert. I can cuss and talk about gross things without repercussion. I can clean the dishes without feeling weird. Can I just skip celebrations with other people please?
Saturday was Christmas v.3. Luckily, we got to shop before we went over to Brian's grandmother's. Everything was on sale and Brian basically took every piece of advice I gave him on gifts and they were a hit (has anyone noticed it's easier to just tell a boy exactly what to do instead of giving him options?). His family thinks I have excellent taste... I think I just am observant and can tell what people will like. We got an awesome coffee pot and some faux candles. Woo?
This is probably my favorite gift I received. Environmentally friendly pans!
