I watched from the sofa as everyone opened their gifts and smiled. I love Christmas and derive no greater happiness when someone opens a gift I bought her. The gift, as small as it is, is a way for me to express my appreciation and let that person know I read between the lines and got her something special. I just reread that sentence and it makes me sound like a Robbins Brothers commercial…I need to cut it with the cheesiness.
No, but really, gift giving is a big deal to me. And not the gift itself (one of my favorites this year was a $10 gift from my little sister), but the thoughtfulness of it all.
At the end of night, my mom asked if I liked everything and I replied, Sure, mama…, but she stopped mid-sentence and ran to my twin sister and started whispering. Apparently, someone forgot to get me a few gifts. Moments later, after rummaging in her room, my mother cornered me in the hallway and apologized, but before I could stop her, my mom handed me an unwrapped bottle of Melatonin (I know you have trouble sleeping at night) and a $25 gift card to Olive Garden.
Later that night, I recounted the story to JD and before I knew it, I was crying. I swore to him it wasn't about the gifts, it's just that I feel like my mom didn't think about me this year… I trailed off and JD stomped into my pity party with a machete. Six years ago, he said with as much patience he could muster, we weren't sure your mom was going to be here…alive…with us, so if anyone is being unthoughtful, it's you. He then reminded me it wasn't about the gifts under the tree, but who's around the tree.
Right about then I had a Tiny Tim moment (God bless us, every one!) without the crutch, which leads me to an installment of Kisses and Disses.
This week's DISSES go to…
*Me. A petulant daughter who couldn't see a real Christmas miracle standing in front of my face.
*Left over holiday desserts. Cookies, cake, brownies, rice crispy treats…they're piled in my kitchen beckoning me like sirens at sea.
*The gym being overcrowded this time of year. It's those darn desserts, I tell ya!
This week's KISSES go to…
*Today being New Year's Eve Eve. I feel like popping some bubbly just to ensure I'm ready for tomorrow…it's all about practice, Internet.
*Olive Garden gift cards. Went to the OG (that's what us locals call it) for dinner this week…and ordered a dipping sauce to boot!
*Basketball being back…I'm a Lakers fan through and through (still miss you, Lamar!)…but tell me those Clippers aren't looking darn good this year! Dang it.
Happy Friday!
