‘Tis The Season

I was witness to two proposals this weekend.

The first one occurred while we were volunteering at the Wonderland Carousel. The man popped the question while they sat on the bench of the merry-go-round – the seating was obviously a ruse because who would pick the bench when you could ride on a pretend horse? A guy who wants to get down on bended knee that’s who! I was in the ticket booth so I didn’t see the actual proposal but I heard a lot of cheering and then the announcer saying “She said yes!” That’s a relief because can you imagine how shitty that guy’s Christmas would have been if her answer had been different?

Then last night my sister and I were at Rosie Thomas’ annual holiday concert (she is hilarious and talented and you should go see her if you have not, really, truly, seriously- do it! And while you are at it, buy her Christmas album!) watching the opening band, The Beautiful Clarks, when the lead singer got down on his knee in front of the entire crowd and asked his cohort/fellow singer to marry him. I’m assuming that’s what he said. We couldn’t hear any of it but she looked shocked then gleeful then very, very happy. They kissed and hugged and he informed us that she said yes. From the sidelines of the venue, Rosie was clapping and jumping up and down. They had a lot of friends in the house and it was touching to see.

‘Tis the season to get married.

And to bake. I was a baking fool this weekend. Thankfully, I gave it all away because I do not need fudge and cookies sitting around my house taunting me with their deliciousness. I refuse to buy (any more) bigger pants and wearing my sweats to work is just not an option.

I enlisted my nephew who, despite his very bad cold, was quite the helper. Don’t worry, I gave him his own cookies so that he’d be the only one eating snot-tainted germ cookies. It was more for the experience than getting actual edible eats out of it.

Side note: Apparently earlier in the day before coming to my apartment, Finn told my sister that he wanted “to be alone with TeeTee.” That little statement is so adorable I could not refrain from sharing it. It’s the nicest thing someone has said about me in weeks.

And YES I gave 28 little gift bags of baked goods to each of my tenants. I know some of you will give me flack for it but honestly, it’s CHRISTMAS and it’s the season to be generous and kind to others. I might tell you stories about my managerial annoyances but really and truly, my tenants are a good lot of people. I’m grateful for this gig and what it’s teaching me. Most days. Except when they wake me up with noise complaints at 2am or leave their cigarette butts littering the front walkway or lose their keys (again!).

As I was dropping off the treats, one tenant was coming home. She gladly took the treats with thanks and gave me a hug.

See? Find the good and relish in it.