Well, I'm currently getting my ass kicked in an online game of scrabble, but perhaps that's got something to do with the riesling I've been quietly consuming over the last half hour. Actually, I doubt that it's got much to do with the Riesling, but I thought I'd try and use that as a convenient excuse - and also to sound cool. Some guy called 'James G' is giving me a thourough ass kicking and appears to be one of those 'serious' scrabble players. I can't really be bothered trying to beat him, so I'm kinda playing half-heartedly, giving him copious opportunities to get high points and feeding him little gems of three letter words such as 'Jet' and 'Nun'. But its an ok way to pass the time when you're drinking on a Saturday night.
We're off to Christchurch in less than a week. We're spending our Christmas and New Year's down there. I hope I can survive it all. I never do too well if I'm kept out of my routine for too long. I swear some of the kids have rubbed off on me and made me quite Autistic at times. I was really worried about the house for ages, but luckily we've got a neighbourhood boy to look after it - feed the cat, the chickens, water the garden, collect the mail.... boy, the list just goes on and on..... but it's great having peace of mind knowing that all the hard work you put into your garden won't go to waste. I've really enjoyed having this garden, and especially growing roses. Its been fun. I've got into photography quite a bit over the last couple of months, and love taking pictures of our garden in all its glory. I don't know how many people actually check out the photos (which I post religiously on facebook) but thats ok. Scrabble update: James G has just played 'Uke'. God, who would have thought that was a word?
Christmas is a strange time of year, and I never know quite what to make of it. More than ever I am beginning to notice the overwhelming commercialism that is assocaited with Christmas. It seems as though it is more a time of stressing about what to buy people and wondering if you have spent enough money, more than anything else. My idea of a perfect Christmas would be to sit round the table with my family and friends enjoying a meal together. Good food and good times, connecting with one another. I don't really see what gift giving has to do with that feeling of connection, and to me it seems to only create a feeling of obligation. Surely the best gift you can give someone is your time and wanting to be with them? isn't love the best thing you can give? What I hate is being asked what I want, and then when I say that I don't want anything, getting funny looks. Not buying into the whole commercialism of Christmas is difficult. It just seems so silly though. I don't need anything, I have everything i could want or need - I have a loving family and wonderful husband, a lovely house, a good job (well.... it has it's moments....) but realistically, I'm wanting for nothing. Like John Lennon said back in the 60's 'All you need is love'. And I've gotta say: 'love is all you need.'
