1. getting a haircut
2. taking a hot bath
3. cooking/baking for/with the family (or just eating what they have cooked/baked)
4. hiking in the snow
5. buying new undergarments
6. real coffee, real cheese, real milk
7. getting different music so I can change the songs that have been on my iPod the last 1 1/3 year
8. attending Advent church services
9. singing with Heather
10. using a dishwasher, microwave, toaster, vacuum cleaner, blender, electric mixer, coffee maker, and WASHING MACHINE
11. playing a piano again
12. giving presents after having missed birthdays and Christmas
13. the fireplace’s smell, sound, and feel
14. cradling my brand-new very first nephew
15. driving, if someone will let me borrow their car
16. recycling (I reduce and reuse out the wazoo here, but I miss a formal recycling system)
17. laughing with family members, especially about Christmas inside jokes (for example…Charles: our divergent “Gloria” harmonies…Mom: your recycled Christmas card with Dad)
18. wearing the sapphire ring I purposely left at home
19. sewing with Mom/playing chess with Dad/playing board games with sibs & their spouses
20. Alaska’s wintry sunrises and sunsets, which last for hours
Less than a week until these dreams can come true!
Sarah,
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and visit with your family. I am truly happy for you and for your family. My heart swells with happiness and gratefulness for your visit home. God bless you. Kim
Okay. Reality Check. Dave and I ate the baked goods your Mom hid in the freezer. You are too young to drink coffee (it might stunt your growth). Don’t write about undergarments on blog posts. You won’t have a chance to cradle your nephew because I’ll be holding him. The sunrises are still here, but remember that you have to wake up by 10 or 11 to enjoy them. Oh and I had to sell your ring to pay a bill. You do realize that Heather does not live here, right? Or is my favorite a surprise Christmas gift for me?
Oh, and I have only 2 words about a potential Father-Daughter Chess match: Blitz Krieg.
Sarah,
I hope you have an easy journey and a joyful, relaxing visit with family and friends. Your visit will be such a blessing for all of you! I’m sure you will see everything through “new” eyes. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas. God is great!
Hazaah! Rejoice!