How about another "getting to know you" thread?

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Sue and Oliver (GA)

Sue and Oliver (GA)

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I enjoy these so much. Just as cats are more than blood glucose levels, people are more than shooting, poking, advising beans..

The holiday season is here, for better or worse. What is your favorite and/or least favorite part of Thanksgiving and/or Christmas.

For me, I enjoyed both holidays as a kid. My mother was a spectacular cook and we usually had a houseful. Not a whole lot of presents but something meaningful for everyone.

As an adult, I enjoy spending times with my kids and grandkids. One of our weirdest Christmas
mornings, opening stockings, was when my youngest daughter was headed to college. I had included lots of useful stuff (I thought) in her stocking. One was a small canister of pepper spray. She accidentally pushed it and pepper spray filled the small room we had gathered in. Coughing and laughing, we had to go outside in the snow. We still tease her about that.
 
I think this thread almost got lost today! I must say...I love how active the forum is lately. Not that I want more diabetic kitties in the mix, but it is so nice to see how everyone comments on each other's threads and offers encouragement, and sometimes just a silly, fun conversation!

The holidays are tough for me. My father passed away the day after Christmas, 11 years ago this year. My grandfather passed away the day before Thanksgiving, and my grandmother a few weeks after (not in the same year). I don't tell you all this to bring you down, but to give you one of my favorite memories...the year after my father died, my mother and I decided we couldn't handle a "regular" Christmas. So, we went to Atlantic City! We spent a few days roaming the boardwalk, gambling, eating the BEST lasagna I've ever had (who would have thought it would be in a casino??) and generally having a fabulous time. It was a great break from the sad memories and it worked so well. It's a time I still look back on and wish I could relive.

Now, it's generally just me and my boyfriend at the holidays. We usually spend Thanksgiving cooking, then we eat and watch Love Actually...not sure how that became a tradition, but that starts the Christmas season for me. It's a tough season always, but I have a few people in my life who notice when I'm in a mood and help me through it. This year, I'm especially excited for Thanksgiving, since my boyfriend is always off Wed and Thurs, and I will be off those days too...so we can spend a few days together. That's rare with our jobs, so it will be nice!

I do love these threads...can't wait to hear what all of you have to say!
 
I guess I didn't answer this before because I didn't want to sound like a Scrooge, but the holidays have become difficult for me since I've moved so far out in the middle of nowhere and have so many mouths to feed! I have to get up, feed everyone,then drive to either New Orleans or Baton Rouge. That's ok, the problem is I have to leave by 2PM to get home in time to feed the horses before dark. That doesn't leave enough time to relax and enjoy the day. And now I get to add worry about Colin to the list! :(

I guess one memorable Christmas turned out to be the last one with my parents. It was 2004, and I had driven my parents to my sisters house in NO. That Christmas it snowed! Yes snow in NO on Christmas Day! My moms dream come true. Of course the drive home over Lake Pontchartrain was scary with ice on the bridge, we slid all over the place. Remember we aren't used to that kind of weather! We made it home, and heard that we were the last ones allowed across the bridge. The next year, my mom passed, Katrina hit then my dad passed, and life changed. We spent the Christmas after Katrina at my sisters in NO. Driving through the deserted, devastated streets of NO was eerie. Good news is every year it's gotten better, so I guess life's good, and I should stop whining about my drive!
 
Shoot. I didn't' think about bringing up bad memories. Guess I was hoping everyone could dredge up some funny ones, although the holidays can be painful in different ways.

We can skip this and I'll think of a new one....?

Rachel, I can identify. People do seem to die around the holidays. My first husband died December 23rd. I had two daughters, 2 and 7. That Christmas was of course incredibly hard. The next year my parents took us to Hawaii so Christmas would be completely different and it was. I'm glad you and your boyfriend will be together and are making new traditions.

Sharon, I haven't been back to New Orleans since before Katrina. I like remembering it as a funky, crazy place with fabulous food and music. I imagine it still is.
 
I'm probably alone this year. It's the first holidays without my mother. It will really tough for my father as he will be alone. My hubby will be working out of state. So someone has to be here for Smokey. Thought of taking him to my father's but he doesn't travel well anymore and he will go back to his routine of peeing all over their house. I certainly don't want my father driving here. His driving is awful and it's super highway all the way. I can't drive at night to go get him Wednesday after work which would be a 7 hrs trip. To pick him up thanksgiving day it would be over before we got back here. And with the vertigo I have right now and the back/sciatica that's been really bad lately I don't think I can do that kind of driving. I'll watch the parade and hopefully Miracle on 34th Steert will be on and I'll just relax.
 
OH, no. I feel badly that everyone is dreading the holidays. I hope snuggling with Smokey will feel good - I know it will make his day! Can anyone think of a way we can support each other through the holidays - a daily thankful thread or ??

One small idea. I was diagnosed with Siatica this year and someone suggested I try the Backjoy. I got it throughAmazon for about $30 and it has made such a difference! It's a hard plastic brace sort of thing that you sit on in any kind of chair. I took it on the plane and buses on our trip. It stabilizes your pelvis and back in the position you should sit. I was hurting all the time before and now I am back to riding my bike and walking with my friends.
 
While growing up and even today, my mom would tell us a story of when she was growing up. My mom has a sister and a brother and lived I believe either in South Haven or Grand Haven, MI on a farm. On Christmas eve, Grandma took my mom and siblings to church. My grandpa stayed at home. When they all got home, they couldn't wait to go to bed. They all woke up early but waited till Grandma and Grandpa allowed them to come downstairs to the living room. Somehow, Grandma and Grandpa alerted the kids to quickly go outside. What they saw was sleigh tracks and reindeer tracks all over the roof of the house. They couldn't believe their eyes.

The first time my four brothers and I heard that story, (we lived in MI too), we ran outside to see if we could see the tracks too, however, we didn't have any snow that Christmas morning.
 
The holidays can be a hard time for some, especially those who lost loved ones, but being able to talk about that with friends can help you feel better and cope, so don't feel bad about this thread Sue, your heart was in the right place. :bighug: I have good, happy holiday memories, even though we never had a white Christmas in Florida, we would get to try out our new bikes without being all bundled up! Our family is big on food, lots and lots of food! My dad, who has passed, was a master of smoking different meats, we eventually had to set up an extra buffet table to hold everything. This year will be especially meaningful for me, it is one of the first in a long time of being with my family. When I lived in SD, I was always a little sad I couldn't be "home" for the holidays, but I had some great friends that always would include me. So this year I am grateful to be home for Christmas! :joyful:
 
Oh, you guys! First: Sue, I love your story with the pepper spray; it is priceless and one that you and you daughter will always remember. Also, so sorry you lost you first husband with two little children; that must have been so rough. Rachel: so sorry the Holidays remind you of a sadder time. But, glad you will have time to spend with your boyfriend and the kitties. Sharon: I understand about the traveling thing and being back in time. My nearest sibling is 2 1.4 hours away and she invited us but, we can't because of Bubba. So, now I'm cooking for Eric's side of the family. :banghead: Maybe you could have everyone bring something and share dinner at your house. (keep your mouth shut, Bobbie) Paula: The first Holiday after losing a loved one is always sad. Could you pay someone to transport you father to you, or a train, or bus? It could be good for both of you. Cindi: What a great story your mom told you of her Christmas with your grandparents, it must have been magical. Lynn: So good that you will be with family this year, it will make it more festive for you this year.

Holidays can be overwhelming for a lot of people, too much expectations, no money, no family nearby and the commercials don't make it any better because everyone else has endless money and festive parties, blah blah. Here's one of the best Christmas that I had:

I was divorced from my first husband, money was tight raising children on a small paycheck and a small child support check. Then something wonderful happened. One of my High School friends had moved from PA to MD and her mom was still living in PA. Her mom, wanted to go to MD for the Holidays to visit her daughter. She had always played "Santa" to one of her cousins and children for the last 10 years as they were on disability and could not afford Christmas gifts, let alone the holiday dinner with all the trimmings. She called me and ask me if I could deliver "Santa" to their house on Christmas Eve after 12:00 midnight. After hearing how all year long, she collected presents for them and also provided them with all the fixings for a Holiday Dinner. I was thrilled to be a part of that. I told everyone in my office about it and they all donated something either for the household or specific to the children ( I had all their sizes) Some of my coworker baked things, some donated money. It was awesome! The more people I told about what I would be doing to help a friend , the more people wanted to be a part of it.

Here's the good part: So, Midnight Christmas Eve, I drove near the house and walked up with a box of goodies (it took multiple trips back to the car to get another box and I had a helper) I rang the doorbell a few urgent buzzes and ran back to the car. Once I was home again,(this was before cell phones) I called them and as I was instructed to simply say "HO HO HO Merry Christmas! The woman on the other end said "who are you??? Please tell us who you are. Thank you , thankyou!! " And my reply was "Santa, Merry Merry Christmas! "

I'm getting a little teary thinking about again. It was with out a doubt one of the best Christmas I ever had. I felt so blessed to be apart of it. Christmas isn't the day, it isn't the gifts, (although they are fun) it's the spirit of love and compassion. Here's to a wonderful Holiday Season for us all. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Sharon14 said:
I guess I didn't answer this before because I didn't want to sound like a Scrooge, but the holidays have become difficult for me since I've moved so far out in the middle of nowhere and have so many mouths to feed! I have to get up, feed everyone,then drive to either New Orleans or Baton Rouge. That's ok, the problem is I have to leave by 2PM to get home in time to feed the horses before dark. That doesn't leave enough time to relax and enjoy the day. And now I get to add worry about Colin to the list! :(

I guess one memorable Christmas turned out to be the last one with my parents. It was 2004, and I had driven my parents to my sisters house in NO. That Christmas it snowed! Yes snow in NO on Christmas Day! My moms dream come true. Of course the drive home over Lake Pontchartrain was scary with ice on the bridge, we slid all over the place. Remember we aren't used to that kind of weather! We made it home, and heard that we were the last ones allowed across the bridge. The next year, my mom passed, Katrina hit then my dad passed, and life changed. We spent the Christmas after Katrina at my sisters in NO. Driving through the deserted, devastated streets of NO was eerie. Good news is every year it's gotten better, so I guess life's good, and I should stop whining about my drive!
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I don't really want to talk about the holidays because for me, they mean less and less as I get older - I know that is sad in itself- but it's such a wonderland as a kid - I would say especially where there is "proper" Christmas weather - cold and a white Christmas. I was in LA once right before Christmas and it was not the same at all - palm trees instead of fir trees!!! Not the same.
But sometime, Sharon, I'd like to hear more about your Katrina experiences. I had good friends who lived there at the time - I still can't believe the whole catastrophe happened (the actual event and the incomprehensible aftermath) So sorry you and everyone in the area had to experience such a horrible event
 
Grayson [GA] and Spartacus have both driven & flown to visit my family at the holidays. Funniest (well, now, at least) was the plane from Raleigh to Chicago three years ago with Grayson. We took off, flew for a little while, then I smelled poop. ... about the same time the pilot says, "Hear that noise? That's our landing gear that didn't retract. Technically this is equipment failure, so we're returning to Raleigh." UGH!

I proceed to the flight attendants to ask if I can bring G back to the rear or bathroom to "clean him up". They say yes, I do so, with ziplock bags, spare towels, and baby wipes I had with me. We get back to our seat and land shortly thereafter. The good news, there's a plane not being used at the next gate that we'll be able to take. It'll be ready to board in ~45 minutes. Okay, great! More time to wipe down the carrier and make sure he's all clean. Very good.

Right before they start to board us, I get summoned to the counter. Apparently the people in front of me complained about the poop smell. They offered to put me on another flight - TOMORROW! Oh HECK NO! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I WENT THROUGH TO GET HERE???!!! Up at 3 am to get him & everything ready, loaded in the car, drive over an hour to the airport, park in remote parking, shuttle in, check him in at the gate, they make me dump half of his supplies out of his carrier, because he exceeds the 20 pound cat & carrier limit (he was 18.3 a few days earlier). Carry him through security. Time to test and feed and shoot, so we're in front of bathroom stalls to do this. AND THEY WANT ME TO COME BACK TOMORROW???!!! I explained (in a less hostile voice) that Grayson and the carrier were clean, and offered for them to sniff it to confirm. They declined.

Thank goodness we were flying on a slower air traffic day! :)
 
Grayson & Lu said:
Grayson [GA] and Spartacus have both driven & flown to visit my family at the holidays. Funniest (well, now, at least) was the plane from Raleigh to Chicago three years ago with Grayson. We took off, flew for a little while, then I smelled poop. ... about the same time the pilot says, "Hear that noise? That's our landing gear that didn't retract. Technically this is equipment failure, so we're returning to Raleigh." UGH!

I proceed to the flight attendants to ask if I can bring G back to the rear or bathroom to "clean him up". They say yes, I do so, with ziplock bags, spare towels, and baby wipes I had with me. We get back to our seat and land shortly thereafter. The good news, there's a plane not being used at the next gate that we'll be able to take. It'll be ready to board in ~45 minutes. Okay, great! More time to wipe down the carrier and make sure he's all clean. Very good.

Right before they start to board us, I get summoned to the counter. Apparently the people in front of me complained about the poop smell. They offered to put me on another flight - TOMORROW! Oh HECK NO! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I WENT THROUGH TO GET HERE???!!! Up at 3 am to get him & everything ready, loaded in the car, drive over an hour to the airport, park in remote parking, shuttle in, check him in at the gate, they make me dump half of his supplies out of his carrier, because he exceeds the 20 pound cat & carrier limit (he was 18.3 a few days earlier). Carry him through security. Time to test and feed and shoot, so we're in front of bathroom stalls to do this. AND THEY WANT ME TO COME BACK TOMORROW???!!! I explained (in a less hostile voice) that Grayson and the carrier were clean, and offered for them to sniff it to confirm. They declined.

Thank goodness we were flying on a slower air traffic day! :)
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Got a good chuckle at of this and yes, it's funny now, stressful then.:)
 
woodsywife said:
And with the vertigo I have right now and the back/sciatica that's been really bad lately I don't think I can do that kind of driving. I'll watch the parade and hopefully Miracle on 34th Steert will be on and I'll just relax.
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So sorry you're dealing with a double-whammy: Vertigo AND sciatica. Sheesh, sure can relate! Sending you many strong healing vibes.:bighug: Btw, I love watching that film over the holiday season. Another great one is Christmas in Connecticut. What a hoot!
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
OH, Bobbie, that story is absolutely beautiful! It made my day!
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Just now read that: DITTO!!!:D
As for the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season, Christmas was always so much fun when my daughter was just a little sprout! Now, I guess my favorite parts are all sensory: The colors and the lights. The scents - and tastes - of the season's foods: Sage, rosemary and celery seed, cinnamon and nutmeg, the heavenly aroma of bread baking in the oven. Snuggling up under a blanket in the evening (bonus if it's snowing) to watch a classic holiday film or two, with hot Ovaltine (spiked with Bailey's).

To all who have written about holidays tinged with sorrow: Sad events that happen so close to holidays (and even at other times during the year) certainly can make for conflicting/ mixed feelings about this holiday season in particular; I know that's the effect it's had on me. (Lost my dad Dec 10th in 2010; he'd taken his final bad turn that Thanksgiving; lost a dear friend last Dec 12th.) Yet the sorrows have made Dave and me all the more appreciative of the people and pets we love who are still with us, and of the small, quiet things: Being grateful for what we have had and do have; reflecting on what we've learned from all of our experiences in life (both good and bad); enjoying the sudden smile of joy on a total stranger's face after committing a random act of kindness ... and yes, just being alive and able to gaze up at a starry sky at night and feel the warmth of the sun the next day.

To any of you who'll be alone for these holidays: Please feel free to PM me, as I'll be right here, spending the holiday season quietly with Dave (who'll be busy watching every football game available on satellite:rolleyes:) and cranky ol' Bat-Bat. (Where's that "evil kitty" emoji?)

Would be happy to "converse" with you, no matter whether you're feeling up or feeling down. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
Maybe we can even have a fun group thread up & running on both holidays ... :)
 
Bobby I loved that story too many people it seems forget the season is not just for getting but giving. My fave tradition is this we (the family and I) would bake up a bunch of cookies and candy. Artfully arrange them on plates and deliver them to police station, fire stations and emergency rooms in the area. At first they where leery of the gifts we had to leave phone numbers, address and other data, but soon they got to looking forward to them. We also started leaving little gifts as well for the new people.
 
Robin&BB said:
So sorry you're dealing with a double-whammy: Vertigo AND sciatica. Sheesh, sure can relate! Sending you many strong healing vibes.:bighug: Btw, I love watching that film over the holiday season. Another great one is Christmas in Connecticut. What a hoot!
Just now read that: DITTO!!!:D
As for the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season, Christmas was always so much fun when my daughter was just a little sprout! Now, I guess my favorite parts are all sensory: The colors and the lights. The scents - and tastes - of the season's foods: Sage, rosemary and celery seed, cinnamon and nutmeg, the heavenly aroma of bread baking in the oven. Snuggling up under a blanket in the evening (bonus if it's snowing) to watch a classic holiday film or two, with hot Ovaltine (spiked with Bailey's).

To all who have written about holidays tinged with sorrow: Sad events that happen so close to holidays (and even at other times during the year) certainly can make for conflicting/ mixed feelings about this holiday season in particular; I know that's the effect it's had on me. (Lost my dad Dec 10th in 2010; he'd taken his final bad turn that Thanksgiving; lost a dear friend last Dec 12th.) Yet the sorrows have made Dave and me all the more appreciative of the people and pets we love who are still with us, and of the small, quiet things: Being grateful for what we have had and do have; reflecting on what we've learned from all of our experiences in life (both good and bad); enjoying the sudden smile of joy on a total stranger's face after committing a random act of kindness ... and yes, just being alive and able to gaze up at a starry sky at night and feel the warmth of the sun the next day.

To any of you who'll be alone for these holidays: Please feel free to PM me, as I'll be right here, spending the holiday season quietly with Dave (who'll be busy watching every football game available on satellite:rolleyes:) and cranky ol' Bat-Bat. (Where's that "evil kitty" emoji?)

Would be happy to "converse" with you, no matter whether you're feeling up or feeling down. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
Maybe we can even have a fun group thread up & running on both holidays ... :)
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You made me cry..... joyful tears.
 
Julia Rae said:
Bobby I loved that story too many people it seems forget the season is not just for getting but giving. My fave tradition is this we (the family and I) would bake up a bunch of cookies and candy. Artfully arrange them on plates and deliver them to police station, fire stations and emergency rooms in the area. At first they where leery of the gifts we had to leave phone numbers, address and other data, but soon they got to looking forward to them. We also started leaving little gifts as well for the new people.
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What a nice thing to do for our emergency personnel . I guess they would have to be cautious and I would imagine the first time they were leery of you that it hurt your feelings.
 
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Kinda but I also understood too it is a sad thing when we must distrust one another instead of simply trusting that people will do the kind/right thing.
 
@Julia Rae ... For many years, Ive made peanut butter/kiss cookies for our public services guys. ithe first yr i bagged 3/sandwich bag. later would find out when they were having a luncheon n take a platter. the guys remember, and like you said, look forward to them. i used to do data mgmt for the trash/recycling guys n streets depts. they also are quite responsive when i need anything!
 
That is soo very cool, right now I haven't done it in a long time mostly do to finances and depression I am hoping I can do so again but I wont set myself up for failure either if you understand?
 
Reading all these posts is better than watching Miracle on 34th Street, It's A Wonderful Life, and the Christmas Carol all rolled into one! Such wonderful stories, memories and generosity. It's been a tough week, y'all have made it easier and I thank you! It will seem weird not having snow this Christmas, I will have to put some fake stuff around, but only where kitties can't get it. Thanks again for sharing! :bighug: *clinks Bailey's cups with Robin* Cheers everyone! :bighug:
 
Lol, I will miss it some, Carol, it is so pretty when it first falls and everything is "hushed". I will miss seeing it sparkle and feeling cozy inside by the wood stove. I am still running my air conditioner here in FL, I wouldn't mind a little cold moving in from the north. The high 60's would be nice. :rolleyes:
 
I love the snow!!! I will say that a few years back when we had "snowpocalypse" and I got to sleep on the floor of my office it wasn't as fun. My poor kitties were frantic for food by the time I got home!!

But I still wish it would snow here..just wish I would be home for it this time!

Lynn, are you supposed to get any chill this weekend? Here in AL they are calling for a freeze in the mornings.
 
Sorry to go off topic, but if the original topic was what are you thankful for - for me, today, it's not being in Bamako Mali. I just heard the news about the siege of the Raddison Blu in Bamako Mali. I stayed at that hotel for 6 weeks in the summer of 2011. At that time, I was brokenhearted that Timbuktu was already too dangerous to visit The people of Mali are warm, kindhearted and peaceful. I loved being there.
 
Rachel said:
I love the snow!!! I will say that a few years back when we had "snowpocalypse" and I got to sleep on the floor of my office it wasn't as fun. My poor kitties were frantic for food by the time I got home!!

But I still wish it would snow here..just wish I would be home for it this time!

Lynn, are you supposed to get any chill this weekend? Here in AL they are calling for a freeze in the mornings.
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We are supposed to cool down some, but no freeze warnings. It's a little cooler in AL during the winter, which sounds wonderful right now, it's been hot and humid this week. Enjoy!
 
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