CHRISTMAS (NOT) IN WASHINGTON

Even before I lived in the DC area, my family had been gathering in Washington for Christmas for several years. And, now that I've moved away from DC, this will be the first time in a long time that I'll spend Christmas in Pennsylvania. Still, work has kept me in DC quite a bit lately, and so I was able to make my annual trip to "The House That Christmas Shat Upon."

Yes friends, I used to live not too far from this place, which has become somewhat famous for their way overdone holiday decorations. Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas lights (I really do), but something bad has happened here. To put it lightly, I think the Gods of Christmas took a huge dump on this house. I've seen it over and over again, and yet each year I still can't believe it. People come from all around to see this spectacle, and they don't just drive by. They get out, walk around, take photos, and just hang around. Busses literally park out front bringing people from all around to and from this house.

Don't get me wrong. While I think this is tacky and overdone (understatement), it still brings a smile to many faces, and that's a good thing. I appreciate the effort and commitment that goes into this display, but I really feel for the neighbors. A couple of years ago, one neighbor put up a giant inflatable Grinch almost directly across the street. That pretty much summed it up.

While I'm on the subject of Christmas, allow me to vent a little. Two nights ago, I noticed something. I cannot remember the last time I've heard someone say "Merry Christmas." I've heard "Happy Holidays, Peace on Earth, and all that other PC crap, but I miss hearing "Merry Christmas." Look, there's nothing wrong with saying "Merry Christmas." It's a greeting, it's a kind gesture. Happy Holidays just feels so watered down. One thing I've realized is that you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy Christmas. I'm not a Christian and I still celebrate Christmas. It is (or should be) a joyous time of the year when we all gather with family and friends and enjoy each other's company. Is Christmas a religious holiday? Of course it is... for some people. But, for many of us (maybe even most of us) it's not. Times change, and so do holidays. I seriously doubt that the meaning of St. Patrick's day is for people to get shit-faced on green beer, but that's what the holiday has become. Like it or not, Christmas is no longer just about the birth of Christ, so nobody should be offended by a Christmas greeting. And if they are offended... well, they'll just have to loosen up their pony tails.

Now, I mean no disrespect to my Christian friends out there (and most of my friends are Christians). If you go to midnight mass this Friday, good for you. It's a good family tradition that I hope continues for a long time. And if church on Sunday isn't your thing, well that's cool too. As long as you're heart is with your family and friends, I don't care who comes down your chimney, whether it be Santa Claus, Hanukah Harry, Mr. Hankey or whomever, just enjoy. Everyone has their own reasons why Christmas is special to them, and that's what makes it so great. For me, I'm going to hang with family and friends, and while I don't expect to hear anyone singing "Hark the Hairy Angel", you can bet we'll have "A Christmas Story" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" showing in the background.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

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COFF-AY

Happy Birthday Jennifer Connelly. You are truly the most beautiful woman in Hollywood.

So, this morning a friend and coworker did a really nice thing. As a thanks for coming in to help with a project, she picked up some coffee for us on the way in. This was a really nice gesture, but the problem is that I don't drink coffee. I love the aroma, but I just don't care for the taste. But I figured, what the heck, I'll try it again. It's been a few years since I've had it. Maybe my taste has changed.

-sip-

Oh God, was I wrong! I'm sorry people, but coffee tastes like hot liquid feet! It really is nasty. I do not understand how people can drink that swill. Call me crazy. Call me a freak, or a social outcast. Say what you will, but please, hold the damn coffee. "Good to the last drop" - my ass!

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All right, I have to admit that I can't resist these stupid online personality tests. This one says that I'm an Einstein. That's cool - especially since I've had the same bad hair.

What Famous Leader Are You? personality tests by similarminds.com

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FALL CLEANING

While doing some heavy fall cleaning and reorganizing of my work room yesterday, I came across a few written quotes from the summer. I know, I know, you probably had to be there to appreciate them, but here goes.

"I'll stop babbling once I figure it out." -D.S. 6-22-04

"Well, you're not confusing me yet... you're just babbling." -A.S. 7-27-04

"You know, I should think more often." -D.S. 7-29-04

In other news, I've just discovered that my e-mail address is on AOL's "blacklist", which means that if you write to me from an AOL account, and I try to reply, my e-mail will be bounced back, and you'll think I'm just blowing you off. I of course am not a spamer, and in fact, as many of you know, I'm not very good at answering e-mail at all. I contacted my provider about this, and they sent me an in-depth form letter explaining how often and how easily this happens (through no fault of your own). Their best advice is to just wait it out, as these blacklists are frequently purged.

Humph...

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