In Brussels

Wow, what a mean flu that’s going around. I’m still coughing, but starting to feel better now. Everyone in the house was down except my dad. He kept taking his temperature every thirty minutes though, disgruntled to be left out. He finally gave up yesterday, seeing it wasn’t going to happen. Tsk, tsk, honestly.

Still, apart from the sneezing and delirium, this was exactly the low key christmas I had in mind. And it seems new year’s eve will be the same: Ethiopean take-away at the kitchen table. Suits me to a T. I don’t know why I hate the holidays this much…

Other than that, it’s flipping cold in Brussels. Minus 3 right now, and it’s almost midday. Though of course I haven’t been out much. I’m keeping the cats company. One has grown up, the other old and arthritic. The vet suggested a course of acupuncture –which is really acupressure, no needles. Smart move, as I’d like to see him try sticking needles into our little miss tempest. She’s had two sessions so far and she does seem less in pain…

And that’s pretty much it. The days have sort of flown by in a haze of rent per view movies and bad daytime TV, liberally sprinkled with naps. I’ve yet to see my brother and his family. On Thursday, I guess…

Packing Thoughts

* I only own nine pairs of shoes –and this is counting everything from winter boots to summer sandals. Nine! I can’t get over that…

* I have tonnes of summer clothes and next to zero winter clothes –the exact opposite was true two years ago. Aahhh, the joys of living in the South!

* I found the dress I wore to a wedding about six years ago and tried it on…and realised just why people burst into spontaneous applause as I left my building, why I got a snide remark from the mother of the groom and why, weeks after the wedding, I was still referred to as the girl in that dress. It was long, body-hugging, slashed in the back and cream coloured –don’t worry, I okeyed it with the bride beforehand. I’m not that much of a bitch. But how did I ever wear it out!?

* It never ceases to amaze me that my life can fit into a bunch of cardboard boxes…

Still

I bought a book a while ago that sounded interesting to me. Though I haven’t had the chance to read it, it’s on a shelf in the living room and every so often I notice it. Then today, a flash of recognition. The title connected with a memory of a long ago conversation. My friend who passed away recommended it to me, I was sure of it. It became important suddenly, and I searched his emails for any mention of it. I found it, only two and a half years ago though it seems like ages. It was weird, the feeling of sharing something new with someone who’s no longer here. Like reaching across the boundaries of life and death. I miss him terribly, still.

Sinking

This is such a hilarious ad –and an effective one too. They’re the first people I think of when looking for language study material…

Christmas Meme

Part of the December Collab at RBJ.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Definitely hot chocolate, egg nog never did appeal to me.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
I suppose technically they are wrapped, but not very well. I blame their appearance on air travel.

3. Coloured lights on the tree, or white?
White, and of the non-blinking variety. I don’t fancy an epileptic fit.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I think we did, once. It wasn’t a success…

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I don’t put my own up, because I’m never home for christmas. My folks usually wait until I’m there –presumably to share in the fun. Hah!

6. What is your favourite holiday dish?
My family’s quite unconventional, we don’t do traditional dishes. Last year we had Lebanese –to the utter horror of my grandma.

7. Favourite Holiday memory as a child?
Jazz brunch on New Year’s Day (I always was too old for my age).

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
A girl at school told me, quite unceremoniously. I must have been about eight.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We’re never sure whether or not to wait for New Year’s, since that’s the bigger holiday of the two for us. Usually, phone calls are flying around the family on Christmas Eve: ‘So…what are we doing then?’

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
We decide on a colour scheme, then go crazy. Last year we had faux peacock feathers etc. This year we’re leaving the bottom half bare, I think. We don’t trust the new kitten.

11. Snow: Love it or Dread it?
Absolutely dread it. Give me mild weather and just send me a snowy picture, thanks.

12. Can you ice skate?
Depends how you define ‘can’. I can stay upright, but nothing fancy.

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?
I’m easy to shop for, really. Anything girlie will do. Basically I’m just happy to be remembered.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
To be honest, I’m not that big a fan. Just hanging out with someone I love is enough for me. All trimmings are optional.

15. What is your favourite Holiday Dessert?
My grandma’s rice pudding.

16. What is your favourite Christmas Song?
‘Santa Baby’ (and hurry down the chimney tonight…)

17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Giving, of course. (^ -)

18.What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
I quite enjoyed ‘The Family Stone.’

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
Yuck, sorry. They do look pretty though.

20. What would you like this year’s Christmas present to be?
Better times ahead.