Monthly Archive for December, 2005

Merry Christmas to you and you and you! Happy Holidays to the other lot of you!

First, the politically-correct camp names a decorated tree in the U.S. Capitol the “Capitol Holiday Tree.” House Speaker Dennis Hastert wants it to be called the “Capitol Christmas Tree.” President Bush’s religious right wing base (I am sick of using those words together in a string) get huffy and puffy when this year’s White House Christmas card does not mention “Christmas.” What is wrong with people?

This is Freedom Fries Redux.

Can you say, “Lighten up?” Enough, everyone! Both sides just chill. Pick your battles and freaking move on. I am sick of how this is actually an issue, gets the attention of the Speaker of the House, and receives as much media ink as it does.

When you stop arguing semantics, you actually may get something done.

Politicians and do-gooders, forget the blasted Xmas-Christmas-Holiday tree trimmings this year and find a real cause worth fighting for.

I admit this discussion amused me at first, then pissed me off when it continued, and now, I just want to slap someone. Preferably from the House. It’s like this country can’t talk directly about the things that matter, so they transfer their agendas to peace-loving plants to get their point across.

Please. Step. Away. From. The. Porcelain. Angel.

Do yourself a favor and sell it to another schmuck, and buy a less fortunate person a meal today.

I will start off by apologizing to women of a certain age. I know several and I will be one in time. And in case you’re wondering, I have no idea what age a “certain age” is.

Depending on who you ask, the range is anywhere from 30 to 80. Teenagers probably think I’m a certain age the same way I think 50 is a certain age. But pray tell, what about turning a certain age compels a woman (or a man) to wear Christmas sweaters?

Something about Christmas turns wardrobes red and fashion senses off. Or on, depending on which side of the sweater debate you fall into.

Why do I think the sweaters are funny?

Perhaps it’s the sweaters’ complete disregard for color palettes. Perhaps it’s the sweaters’ uncanny ability to spread cheer during the season. Have you ever seen a grouchy person wearing such a sweater? Or looking at one, for that matter? Perhaps it is the sweaters’ choice of scenes – flying deer, portly men in furry outfits, food with faces – such refeshing childlike obliviousness to real life.

I believe I can embrace that.

Not long ago, a friend asked me whether I thought we’d be wearing the kind of clothes we saw women of a certain age wearing. I honestly couldn’t answer her. What will I wear 10 years from now? Twenty?

In any case, if it’s going to be a Christmas sweater, I prefer the one with the tree.

On Friday, it snowed in Seattle. I was mightily excited. This is the view from our front door.

On Saturday, I received my first Christmas present from an ever-vigilent brother. Thank you, Kevin! One can never have enough Hello Kitty paraphernalia – unless, of course, it’s a Hello Kitty toilet seat cover. Jay draws the line there.

Two weeks ago, Jay and Dave decided to move into a bigger office space, right beside their old one.

As random moments in life go, the previous tenant moved out and Jay and Dave needed more space. This brings them, especially Jay, one unit closer to the neighborhood coffeeshop.

His mom suggested they build a hose connecting the two units so coffee could be delivered via drip.

I believe it is a viable suggestion. Coffee, faster delivery and immediate caffeine high are tempting concepts to Jay.

In other less important news, I have finished Christmas shopping. I bought a Hello Kitty 2006 Diary. We just watched the film “Word Wars” on Scrabble players and it rocks. R-O-C-K-S. I learned new Scrabble lingo today – Vowelitis is when you draw too many vowels and Constipation is when you draw too many consenants. I love word games. Tamago is really very comforting to eat. Wear a hat that covers your ears when it’s cold.