Friday, December 20, 2013

What's Making Me Happy: December 20

Today marks the unofficial beginning of my kids' holiday break. Officially, it begins next Monday, but as far as they (and I) are concerned, break begins this afternoon when school lets out. And that makes me happy. I have been looking forward to this winter break with a sense of impending relief, if such a thing is possible. It's been a long, stressful semester for us all, and starting this afternoon we get a two-week period that is just about relaxing—even my husband will be home, as his workplace shuts down the week between Christmas and New Year's. Family, friends, food, fun. That's making me happy.

The koala family is looking forward to some figgy pudding
Speaking of family, I am also so happy that my state has joined the civilized world in recognizing marriage equality. We were in an odd limbo for a while, the only state that was neither agin' it nor for it. But as of yesterday, we have officially become the 17th state that allows the freedom to marry. I knew the Supreme Court had been pondering it, but I didn't know they were expected to make a decision this month. I confess I got a little weepy when I heard the news. It's kind of a big deal.

One of my favorite music videos of all time.

And finally, a scattershot of small good things: my kids are kicking academic butt: straight As both, and a fantastic PSAT score for my daughter. Also they are both turning out to be really nice people. My husband loves his (relatively new) job and seems to love it more with each passing week: this is critical since his job means he is away from our family a lot, and if he hated work that would suck. For me, I have begun my holiday cookie-baking spree and the house smells like warm butter and cinnamon. We have a new roof on our house—this is more satisfying than I thought it would be. It's like giving your house a new hairdo, plus it means we will no longer have precipitation inside the house, which is something we've been dealing with for the last year or two. (I am quick with a bucket!) And lastly, I am getting very good at mulled wine, which is as much about making the house smell good as anything else. (Hint: stud your orange peels with cloves and/or star anise.)


Happy, happy, merry, merry ... from our house to yours.

4 comments:

  1. All of the things that make you happy also make me happy. I love this season!

    That star anise is beautiful. It's hard to find perfect stars; when I buy it they're usually busted up. Maybe I'll try again b/c it makes the mulled wine or cider look very special.

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  2. Lots of stuff happening to make us all happy this time of year. Enjoy the holidays with your family. It's so special when all the chicks are in the nest at the same time. It's been a long time since all our kids and grandchildren were here at once. (Not sure they can all FIT now!)

    A very Merry Christmas to you and yours. Seeya next year!

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  3. Mulled wine! We have none on hand. We may need to do something about that. We've been drinking some good beer, though.

    Congrats on your successful children.

    Very merry to all.

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  4. Steph. Big, happy sigh.

    As for the kids, as I said, you really are good at what you do. I'm not trying to take from those two excellent human beings any of the credit for being the amazing people that they are but you are an amazing mother, model, friend and light. I'd love to give you credit where it's due.

    miss you tons

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