VH1 is running the movie Grease as part of their Movies that Rock programming. I didn't know that black pants, black shoes, and white socks were experiencing a revival.

Every family has its own set of idiosyncracies. These sometimes lovingly turn into "traditions" with time.

My most vivid childhood Christmas memory is that of waking up early that morning, rushing over to the room next door where my parents slept and asking to open presents. At the time, we weren't able to afford a Christmas tree, so my parents had hid our presents in their bedroom closet. I distinctly remember that the presents weren't wrapped, but it didn't matter, I was thrilled to have Christmas just like every other kid on the building.

It was a Barbie, the only Barbie doll that I have ever owned to this day. Dressed in a blinding, hot pink polyester dress and matching pink heels, Barbie was accompanied by a fantasticly purple salon chair and a device to braid her hair. I don't remember the doll's name anymore, but I spent endless hours that day and many days after that twisting, braiding, and restyling her silken blond hair.

******

This year I relax and nurse my stomach overly full from Taiwanese dimsum. Barely 1pm in the afternoon and I've already caught the 10:30am showing of the latest Harry Potter flick, had lunch, and made a trip to the bakery. Even on Christmas day, the Chinese community does not rest. Families bustle about making the most of the empty roads and squeezing in an opportunity to gather and EAT! Every table is packed, some boasting 3 generations of children, parents, and grandparents all making Christmas their own unique family experience.

Even the slow rain outside can't dim such a warm and wholesome celebration. Who says you have to have a Christmas tree?

Dear Santa:

I know I haven't written in a long time, but I've been busy trying to grow up for the past few years. I think the last time we chatted was when I turned 21 and sat on your knee at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville. I figured this was safer, since it's been 8 years now and I weigh a bit more than I used to.

I just wanted to thank you for another wonderful year. It's been full of as many trials as the previous ones, but having my family near has certainly made some things easier. Thank you for good friends, old and new, who have made space in their lives and hearts for me. I am grateful for warm acquaintances, good food, and the roof over my head...and if you could see if you have space in your bag, perhaps you could bring me a cool temper, since that's something that I could always improve on. Wishing you a safe trip back to the North Pole and all the best for the family.

Love,

L2

9:00am Christmas Eve

The last mad dash for presents. I hate crowds but managed to roll myself out of bed to make a special trip to Best Buy. The parking lot is starting to fill up already.

I spied a special edition of Office Space with the infamous RED STAPLER!!! *sigh* Self control made me put it back, even though it gives me the warm and fuzzies to see my old apartment (since the movie was filmed in Dallas). I think every apt there had the same floorplan.

Gotta remember, I'm here for you, not for me. The crowd's getting bigger, the parking lot fuller, and I think it's time for me to roll back on home into bed!

 
Seen in the back of a taxi in Taiwan. You can never have enough boxes of tissue. I count seven. (SEVEN?!)

Note that one box is even swathed in a lovely cozy to match the interior upholstery.  

Childhood nostalgia is a bittersweet thing.

It's almost midnight on Sunday and I'm strangely compelled to finish watching Street Fighter is on Spike TV. When the movie was released my senior year of high school, I'll admit, I gladly paid full price adult admission to watch it in the theatre. At the time, I didn't think much of it other than wanting to see my favorite video game characters come to life. Tonight, the movie has lost some of it's wondrous lustre and the cheese factor has increased tenfold. I'm sure it was that cheesey all along and I just didn't know any better as a child.

I guess there are alot of things in life like that, that don't grow with you as your perspective matures.

The Big Sister Curse

Since it's snowing like mad outside, Mom had the good sense to call and warn me not to risk life and limb to drive home for dinner tonight.

I then asked her if it would be ok to have the dance troupe over to practise on Wednesday night since we have a performance coming up.

A quick change of thought overcame her.

She responded, saying that it was fine, but since the basement was a mess, I should brave the snow to drive over and clean it *tonight* AND *tomorrow* night....suddenly, the condition of the basement had superseded my safety and well being.

The basement is a mess because my 25 year old brother lives there and refuses to clean up after himself. So, for some reason, that responsibilty has been passed to me, even though I no longer live in the house.

Life continues to be unfair at age 29. *WHINE*