Well, in an attempt to save myself from an impending nervous breakdown (more on that in a bit) I WAS going to fill out a Monday Mission. However, as has been fairly representative of my existence these days, there isn't one. So instead I'll just type meaningless entries to whoever reads this thing. Does anyone read this? I know, if you come up to me and say "Sweaters, always sweaters" I'll buy you a coke.
So I'm "involved" in my church annual Christmas drama. I purposely use the word "involved" because of its associations with dating -
both are maddening/fun/infuriating/egobuilding/egodestroying. Honestly, I'm more than "involved" - I've done a TON of work on it. I wrote it, cast half the actors, co-directed, designed and helped build the sets; I worked out the lights and have been the one most people have come to with complaints and "suggestions" for next year. I won't get into the whole shabang here (never know who's lurking around) but I don't think I'll be doing one of these again. Though, truth be told, I'm quite proud of the perfomances. I wouldn't trade the people I asked to be in it for anything. But then again I did it all for "she" - not the wisest of moves, but nevertheless. If she's happy with it, how can I be otherwise?
Anyway, happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

Okay, so it's the "holiday season"... bah humbug. But, in keeping with the season, I'll answer the Christmas edition of the Monday mission.

1. So, what do you want for Christmas this year that you probably won't get?

Besides the more ethereal "world peace," "a freakin' clue" answers, I'll stick to the concrete: a new widescreen television and a library of DVDs.

2. What do you know you will be receiving for Christmas this year?

Sweaters, always sweaters

3. If you had the means to do so, what presents would you get some of your
fellow bloggers? Be specific, it's more fun that way!

The only other Blogger I know or even read is Chris: if I could, I'd fly him and his lovely wife to Winnipeg for a visit.

4. Do you support any organizations that provide for the less fortunate during the holidays? Or do any volunteer work?

I used to but not so much any more.

5. Each year about this time, I notice Church attendance seems to spike, then drops off sharply after Christmas. It tickles me that these folks think they are pulling a fast one on the Big Guy. What is the most recent thing guilt has motivated you to do?

Everything I do is motivated by guilt.

6. According to the commercials, the only way to truly tell someone you love them on Christmas day is to let them "Unwrap a Jaguar" automobile. Are there any examples of excessive commercialism and/or blatant disregard for the "Christmas Spirit" that really get under your skin?

Yes.


7. I remember a song where the singers wished they could teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. What would you like to teach the world?

I don't know, some sort of craft I suppose.

BONUS: Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Probably, but do you think they care?


Today's comment question: What is your favorite holiday beverage?

Egg nog, lots of it!!! MMmmmmm... it's almost wort the trouble of the holidays to get a frothy cup of nog!!!

1. Do you get sick very often? What illness do you find that you've had most frequently?
I don't get sick that often but when I do it's more an unspecified "sick" feeling than an actual illness like the flu.

2. I know a man who flat out refuses to go to the Doctor's office. You'd need an ambulance to get him near a hospital. Not me, I'd rather go as soon as I feel sick so I can get better. Do you mind going to see the Doctor when you get sick? Do you know anyone who just refuses to go to a Doctor when they get ill? Any idea why they are like that?

Doctors are horrible, evil people who only ever give you "anitbiotics" anyway. Seriously, you could be bleeding from the eyes and what does the doctor say: "I'll put you on antibiotics for a week and, if that doesn't work, we'll get you something stronger. Don't like doctors; don't trust medicine.

3. How about visiting the Dentist? Do you go get a check-up every 6 months? Or do you dread going?

I go but hate it.

4. I've heard about a diet pill called "Thermolift" that allegedly gives you quite an energy rush (oh boy mentioning this will surelybring us all a ton of Google hits won't it?). Although I've thought about getting some of these pill for the times I need a boost, I'm probably not going to take the plunge. Have you ever taken any diet pills, energy pills or energy drinks? How did they make you feel? Do you still take them? How come?

No.

5. Have you heard about "Gastric Bypass" surgery that many celebrities are doing to loose weight? (The process reduces the size of your stomach to facilitate weight loss) What are your thoughts on this procedure? Would you ever consider it? How would you feel if a relative were to decide to undergo the procedure?

Yes I've heard of it. No I wouldn't try it.

6. What do you think the opposite sex needs to experience to fully understand what it is like to be your gender?

A penis.

7. And to lighten things up a bit before we go...What's the most worthless gadget, infomercial item or "looked like a bargain" item you have ever purchased or owned?

the clapper. Clap off.

BONUS: Why can't every day be like Christmas?
What, screaming, arguing, stuff you don't like or want, crying, pretending to be happy. Isn't every day like Christmas?

Today's Comment Question: I have a new, faster computer and I am ready run some new programs and have fun. What do you like to do (games, programs, etc.) on your computer for entertainment? I used to play SIms a lot but then I married my best most successful Sim off and he fell to pieces (rather prophetic, don't you think?) I mostly play spider solitare. That's fun.

Monday Mission Time!

1. Suppose God grants you one miracle. Consider the world in which we live. Consider your life and family. What would you request for this miracle? Are you sure that is the best way to use it? You only get one.

Well, if the ol' I'd want a million miracles doesn't work, I guess I'd ask for something like world peace. Either that or to be uncontrollably attractive to women. It's a coin toss.

2. I believe that prayers do get answered, but I realize not everyone agrees. Have you ever had an experience where you truly believe your prayer was answered? If you don't believe in such things, how come? What is your philosophy on prayer?

Yes I have. I'm not telling.

3. Have you ever lost a pet? That is, have you ever had a pet get loose, run away or be stolen? Did you get it back? How did the loss impact your life?

No I haven't.

4. Getting together with family at the holidays is great, I just love it. Most of all I love the food. What is your favorite holiday food?

Pumpkin pie, though I'm quickly being converted to cream horns!

5. One thing I've noticed about the holidays is that no one makes Pumpkin Pie like my Grandmother. She has totally spoiled me on her recipe, I just don't like the taste of anyone else's Pumpkin Pie. Are there are dishes or desserts that someone in your family fixes better than anyone else?

Nope.

6. Since I have no brothers or sisters, I am always wondering what it would have been like. Now that I am older, it kinda stinks that I will never be an Uncle. Do you have any siblings with children? How does it make you feel to be an Aunt or an Uncle? If not, would you like to be have nieces and nephews? Would you make a good relative to them?

My sister has no children, but swears she'll have 12 one day. That is a day I'm not looking forward to.

7. I am putting together a CD of great holiday music. Do you have any suggestions of what songs (title/artist) I should include?

Fairytale of New York, the Pogues - what better song to sum up the bleakness of the season
Peace on Earth, Bing and Bowie -weird combination of voices, but a phenomenal song

BONUS: How would you feel knowin' prejudice was obsolete and all mankind danced to the same beat?

Just cause they dance don't mean they got rhythm.

Today's Comment Question: Did you see Titanic? Did Rose die at the end or was she just sleeping? I say she was just asleep and dreaming.

She's dead. I killed her.