Looking at the calendar, it's so hard for me to believe that Christmas is finally here. There's a part of me that feels it should still be a few weeks away. Part of that stems from the fact that I go into Christmas mode so early in the year - July this time around. So, bv the time it gets here, often it seems as something of an afterthought. I've been so busy this year planning it, that it seems that this year it really did sneak up on me.
For a lot of reasons, memories are coming to mind this holiday season. It's strange what you remember from year to year, but this year finds me going back to a house on Grinders' Switch Road in Centerville,where I would go each holiday season as a child long before I ever decided to live here. It was my Cousin's house, and when I go there in mind this year, I think of the wood stove that kept the living room so warm (especially after eating a big meal), and the game Simon. To be honest, I've always been somewhat of a Simon addict - when I allow myself to play it. It's one of those games that I could literally play for hours on end. I don't recall if I ever had one personally, but my cousin Caren did. She would let me play hers as much as I wanted.
Now, being five years older than me - a wide gulf back then - we really didn't play together that much. But, one thing that we did do repeatedly, was dial the number 729-5123. That was the time / tetemperature line, whch was operated by the First National Bank. In December, Santa Claus would answer the phone to give the advertisement for the bank. We used to call that line over and over, hoping that jolly old man would shut up about the bank and ask us the truly important question of the day - 'What do you want for Christmas?' He never did!
I also remember that if you went to their house via the road that passed by Camp Meribah, you would come to the top of this hill where you could see the bright (and to a child) and endless lights of the city of Centerville, It used to look so big to my eyes. Time has a way of going by swiftly, even when you don't realize you are having fun!
But, 2016 has had its' share of magic. Zach and I took a trip to Cleveland a few weeks ago, and had a blast - albeit a cold one. And, though I do subscribe to that old adage about it being more blessed to give than receive, that child in me has seen a few pleasant surprises this holiday season. I have truly been blessed with a great Christmas, and still have two or three holiday celebrations to go before the year ends!
One thing that I hope to do is to avoid that letdown that seems to come with the holiday season. It's tough, because the music business seems to come to a complete stop during the time period between December 26 and January 1. I always want to get back in the flow as soon as the ornaments are put away. I think that this year is going to be a little different. First of all, there's quite a bit on the calendar in the New Year, which is a good thing. The less time I have to think about the impending year, the better off I seem to be!
I am also going to try to set some realistic goals for 2017. Health being one of them. I have put on a little bit of weight since being in and out of the hospital / rehab this summer. I want to drop a couple of pants sizes in the coming twelve months. I also want to - just like 2016 - take advantage of each and every opportunity that presents itself career-wise once January rolls around. Work is the one thing that I seem to do well at, and I hope things continue in that fashion. I have come to terms with myself in a lot of ways in 2016, and feel better about me than ever before. I hope that continues as 2017 inevitably brings more change. Hopefully, God will throw a few pleasant ones my way in that bunch, as well!
So, to wrap up what will likely be my final blog post of 2017, I want to take this moment to wish each of you the best for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. May God's blessings shine down on us all!
