Thanksgiving has come and gone and I cannot, I repeat, cannot wrap my mind around the fact that it's nearly 2010. I've been indulging in one of my favorite habits this week while I've been off work: reflecting. I realized this was the first Thanksgiving in a very long time that I have not shared with a significant other. It's been at least 15 years since I've been 100% single for this holiday - maybe longer! I've spent Christmases solo, been a sad sack on Valentine's Day, have made it through Independence Day without a mate...but for some reason I've always spent the last Thursday of November with a boyfriend (or, for a long time, a husband).
Of course, I did not wither away alone yesterday. I was asked to spend the day with 5 different sets of friends and, there's always a standing invitation to go home for Thanksgiving. And this is why I feel thankful: to have such a caring and devoted network of people who remind me over and over that they love me. I had a fantastic time hanging out with the Preeces yesterday: Karla's delicious cooking, the girls giggling over everything, and Todd looking so happy and proud of his family.
Being single is lonely sometimes. All of the friends, experiences, and blessings in the world can not replace the intimacy of a healthy, committed love relationship. But this year, I am thankful for my single-ness. It is during times of solitude that I am able to discover the most profound truths about myself. This is a time for me to learn and grow on my own. To paraphrase my wise friend Tricia (who is married to an amazing guy), "I'm so thankful for all of the ups and downs, because they led me to where I am today."
There's no such thing as bad publicity, right Adam Lambert? This is a story as old as rock 'n' roll: Elvis's swiveling hips, Jim Morrison's inflammatory lyrics...Remember the controversy generated by Madonna gyrating on a wedding cake while singing Like a Virgin? When was that - 1984?Push buttons, push the envelope, push your backup dancers' faces into your crotch...and if you can get on the radar of the more vocal family values organizations, you're sure to generate oodles of interest in your latest project.
Adam very nearly won the most recent round of American Idol based on the strength of his vocal performances. But so many AI winners have quickly slipped from the limelight soon after the finale has aired. This week, with a naughty bit of choreography, I think Adam may have discovered how to recapture the nation's interest.
Just a little fun to end 2009. Thanks Georgeanne!
Have you ever...
( ) Shot a gun
(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Alaska
( ) Been to Cuba
(X) Been to Europe
(X) Been to Las Vegas
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been on a cruise ship
(X) Served on a jury
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robbers
(X) Played cowboys/girls and Indians
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
(X) Made prank phone calls
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
( ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone snow skiing
(X) Camped out under the stars
(X) Seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away
(X) Are or have been married
( ) Children
(X) Have a pet
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
( ) Been fishing
(X) Been boating
( ) Been water skiing
(X) Been hiking
( ) Been camping in a trailer/RV & tent
( ) Flown in a small 4-seater airplane
( ) Flown in a glider
( ) Been flying in a hot air balloon
( ) Been bungee-jumping
(X) Gone to a drive-in movie
( ) Done something that should have killed you
( ) Done something that you will probably regret for the rest of your life
I'm currently working my way through season 2 of the Showtime series The Tudors. I began renting this show after reading The Other Boelyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction in general, but I found the drama surrounding Henry VIII's 16th century reign intriguing.
My favorite part of The Tudors is observing the role of women in the court. Used as pawns and playthings, cast aside when no longer useful, these women certainly did not have it easy. The television series is surely an overdramatization of the events of the time. But the inferior status of women is historically accurate. How lucky I am that I may own a home, make my own living, and will never be forced into an arranged marriage. While watching, I am simultaneously grateful that I enjoy so much more freedom than these women and in awe of the amount of courage and fortitude that they must've had.
Life in this century can be challenging at times, but I feel fortunate that my heart, mind, and choices are my own.
I know a lot of people have issues with Disneyland: the crowds, the syrupy sweetness, the corporate greed. But for a kid who grew up with summertime road trips to Anaheim, walking into Disneyland brings me right back to the excitement and pure happiness of childhood. When you enter the park, the plaque above the archway reads, "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy." That just about sums it up perfectly.
All I wanted this year for my birthday was a day at Disneyland. Thanks to my wonderful friends for making my wish came true.
Sweet Brandy was passed out on the couch today when I got home. She heard me come in but didn't recognize me in the dark, so she slinked toward me slowly and very quietly, teeth bared. As I watched her, I thought maybe she was sick because of the weird way she was moving (Old Yeller, anyone?). But as soon as she recognized me, Miss B fell to pieces, every part of her little doggie self expressing relief and joy. She wagged, she licked, she rolled over to have her belly scratched. Beware intruders in my house. My pooch will get ya!
