I Get a Staff Infection
For the first time in many many years I went to the staff holiday functions this year. Maybe because it wasn't at someone's home and I felt better about going. Maybe because after the Randy Blue party, I wanted to see what my own employer would have to offer. Well, I found out. Fifty-nine dollars worth of appetizers at Outback Steak House. We bought our own drinks. Still, it was something right? And I got to hear the most insane stories about the past 25 years at my school - from an almost-couple who have both been there that long. And then we had the annual holiday breakfast on Friday. More stories, this time from a sober story-teller. And lots of presents from the kiddies; among the unusual gifts for a 12-year-old to give a teacher: slippers in a too-large size, a box of thin ribbon candy (think grandma) and a black leather belt in a too-small size. Should I be flattered? They think I have big feet and a small waist. Well, school is out now for the next 19 days, and I hope to enjoy my time off.
Holiday in Disney Style
Friday night, Don and I went shopping at Disneyland. It was crazy. The park was closed because of overcrowding - I'd never seen that. But our passes let us in. We only got on one ride, and it took probably a total of two hours from the parking garage to the boat, but it was a good time. Then we did some shopping for his family holiday gifts, and he snuck in a little prezzie for me - a retro-Mickey coffee mug. Nice. And I learned a valuable lesson that night - never, never stay until closing. It took over 45 minutes to get out of the parking structure. So, good time and lesson learned.
Wacko-ing Off
Not satisfied with his Disney shopping, Don took me to a place in Los Feliz called Wacko. It was... wacky. There were some seriously cute boys there, but not a lot of items to catch my interest, though I did buy some patchouli forest incense that smelled really good. Then Don found the most amazing thing: a Dick + Poo shirt. But it was too small. But it does beg the question: from where comes such a shirt? We also went into Silverlake to hit the Army Surplus store where I found the perfect hat for Alaska, if I ever go to Alaska. But as I have no Alaskan plans, I didn't buy it. But I did learn that the military boys are into kinky shit - they have a special kind of shoes just for water sports, imagine! Then we had dinner at Home to end the day. Meatloaf sammy... Mmmmmm. Sunday, Don left for Pennsylvania. Now I have no partner in crime for a week. I hope I keep doing things and stuff. Gus is working odd hours, Joel is... I don't know where Joel is... I need a new playmate.
Blessed Solstice
Sunday I woke up to the Winter Solstice. Not having a group of working witches, I held my own Yule ritual. I feel empowered in a way I haven't felt lately. Roger and I talked before about me making some lists, doing some work on myself, and noticing what I need to change to stop feeling blocked. I think I'm making progress. I think the ritual today will help with that. I wish I had some people to celebrate with, but everyone I know is in a closed group, and I've chosen not to be initiated into them. Difficult choices. But the right choices for now.
Little Extras
I took a pic of me drinking from my new Yule mug. And I found this pic of Don at an event I should have gone to, but didn't. Darn it. Looks hot.
