Can’t Get Into Gear

I’m finding it a bit difficult to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Maybe it’s because the temperature has been in the mid-70′s this week. Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I just put my tree up and I’ll probably start wrapping presents tonight.

Actually, it may be the fact that we’re having a small Christmas this year. Not small in terms of gift giving, but small in terms of family size. You see, for as long as I can remember, we’ve always had our entire family together for Christmas Eve. When I was younger, it was always Mom, Dad, my brother, various grandparents, and my Aunt Carolyn with her three kids. Of course, over the years, grandparents either passed on or couldn’t make the trip, and my Aunt/cousins started to do their own thing.

But there was always on constant: Mom, Dad, and brother.

Then my brother started his own efforts to repopulate the Earth. And thus, Christmas Eve festivities with the Starling Family was once again large and in-charge.

Now let me set the stage for you: this is the last Christmas that my parents will be the States. My brother and his family have moved to Tennessee. My brother said they were coming down for Christmas.

And guess what?

They aren’t coming. For the first time in my life, we won’t be having a “family” Christmas.

You know, I can understand next year. My parents will be living in a different country. That’s understandable. In fact, I could get used to the idea of spending Christmas on a tropical beach. But why choose this year to not come down as opposed to next year?

It’s beyond my understanding.

And yes, that’s the reason why I can’t get into the Christmas gear this year.

But, Mom and Dad are driving down to Tallahassee for Christmas Eve. Kari and I are planning on cooking dinner for my parents and we’ll do our normal Christmas Eve Starling traditions then. I’ll be good times. I know it.

I hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

PS – In other gear news, I drove the Mazda3 to Publix and back last night…alone…without stalling out.

A couch made out of mouse pads.

Nex.

Today’s “Car burns to the ground after flaming cat runs underneath it” story brought to you by Syracuse, NY.

Another Famous Mii site (for the Nintendo Wii)

Matrix Rampage.

Teen shot in head by car dealer during robbery fights search warrant for slug still in his head, arguing it is evidence that could send him to prison for attempted murder.