This is my "Bah, Humbug" post

Let me tell you, I've grown to pretty seriously despise the Holiday Season. I'm terrible at giving gifts and I'm terrible at receiving gifts. And, I know that it's rare for me to get serious here on Misadventures, but I think it's time for a real-life update.

It all started here, when I became a National Public Radio story in 2008 for my Christmas Movie Madness. Here is what people had to say about me:

"Unfortunately all the x-mas movies in the world won't bring her 'rents back together. It is a reality she needs to accept. All she can really do it try to make the best of the situation. My heart goes out to her but if we all lived our lives by what we saw in the movies we would lead a rather sad existence."


" The lesson that still needs to be imparted is that the spirit of Christmas is not about what's in it for you (her) --- it's about the joy we create get when we give to others. I hoped for a minute that in her talking with family, the word SHARING would enter into the dialogue, either as spoken by the young lady or by the writer. The sharing of feelings, good and bad, is on the right track. Perhaps she might have learned that she was not the only one struggling with broken fairy tale memories. Hopefully, Miss Pleau can get past her needs and start to view the holidays as opportunities where she can explore what she can do for others, and not just what others - or movies – should be doing for her. I can guarantee that in the giving, she will get back so very much more."

If that's not a mood-killer, I don't know what is. Furthermore, I believe I spent the majority of Christmas Day alone that year, until the White Heart opened at 9 or whatever.  Christmas Movie Madness was just a way for me to get Josh to watch all of my favorite Christmas movies, sort of, amp up the spirit for a change. But in order to turn it into NPR fodder, he needed an angle. I became a sad, shallow, lonely child of a divorce.

Last year, I was in a car accident on December 13, the Sunday before finals week and less than two weeks before Christmas Day. The airbag hit my eyeball and I totaled my car. It was unclear whether I was going to ever see 100% in my right eye or if I was going to have to go home with a maimed face. I postponed most of my tests. My face healed pretty quickly, but there are still times when I struggle with seeing/reading things. The other day my friend Stephen said that he got a black eye from hitting his face on the car door, and I misread it as cat door. I went home for Christmas that year, but I spent most of the day in bed instead of spending quality time with my family.

This coming year, still single and counting, I was pretty psyched that I had the opportunity to work on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It gave me complete control over when I would see my family and make the holidays more like normal days that we get to spend together, with good food and maybe some presents. But I was let go for a serious act of misconduct. I've never been fired before. I'm not looking for sympathy, god no, I deserved to be fired. I couldn't be more guilt-ridden and ashamed. If I could take back any day in my life, and there are a lot to choose from, it would choose that day, without a doubt. It's not every day you find a job you really enjoy and pays well. But of all the things that are going to change as a result of my new employment status, I might've ruined Christmas again. 


There are some positive changes, though. Instead of spending my afternoons in restaurants (bars) killing time after class and before work, I'm rediscovering my love for fresh-brewed iced tea and cooking. I can now officially say that I'm supporting myself solely on my writing (Thank you, Free Press!). Oh, and recently I discovered that my Music Seen pieces for the Phoenix are actually available online here. I'll get to go home for multiple days at Christmas and I have a lot of time on my hands to think about what kind of awesome presents to make/buy for everyone.

In an attempt to sort of get in the spirit, since all of the stores are covered in decorations, I've been listening to this song by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, which I'm sure you're heard before. It's the What a Wonderful World/Somewhere Over the Rainbow ukulele mash-up. I think I get like, money if you click on the link over there <- and buy the Fred Claus soundtrack, which is the only place to get this song. Yes, I have it.

Anyway, like I said, there will be more updates soon, more ridiculous stories about online dating and my cat Baby, etc. But I just had to get this other stuff off my chest to move forward.