Watching Charlie Brown On A Friday Night

As if my earlier musings weren't enough, I sit here now still dazed and confused.

Confused by friends who don't return calls.
Confused by young people who bicker over hamburgers.
Confused by Lucy who doesn't understand the importance of Linus's security blanket.

I think it's the date that's throwing me off. This is the first time in a couple of years that we don't already have the van packed with suitcases and presents and snacks for the holiday trip home. Our Thanksgiving trip cancelled out the Christmas one. I knew this was coming and have no regrets over that blessed, peaceful month of November, but feel a little bit bummed nonetheless. And I know I rambled on in an earlier post about the real meaning of Christmas and have no intention of backtracking now... still, the emptiness under our tree can be a tad bit depressing.

And the tree itself is dreadfully dried out. Not from a lack of water; just from a lack of restraint on the husband's part when it comes to our fireplace. That man loves a roasting fire no matter what the temperature is outside. Now we're faced with the dilemma of pulling the tree or replacing it the week before Christmas. I would be all for packing the whole thing in, but we are entertaining members of his family on Christmas Eve. I have a feeling he will have a fresh one in its place before this weekend is over. Oh well. Live and learn (and yes, I will be hiding the matches this time around).

Okay, okay. I also burned the last batch of Christmas goodies I was baking yesterday and the pan of peanut butter fudge I made is still in the fridge waiting to be cut. I kinda ran out of steam, I guess. Plus, the hot water handle on the kitchen sink went kerplunk and the dishwasher has not worked since I don't know when, so I'm faced with washing dishes in cold water, washing them in the bathtub, or not washing them at all. I gave George Jones entirely too much attention yesterday while I was in the kitchen and got to missing my dad. Then there's my mom. Same old story.

So maybe I'm just in a mood. Is it bad that the main highlight of my week was watching the Falcons smoke the Jaguars last night? Oh, it hasn't been all bad, I know, and I'm probably being a bit too dramatic here. I do have a few gifts I can wrap to liven up the tree (dead or not) and my family doesn't mind picking out the burnt pieces of chex mix. I just wish people would call back like they say they will, kids would all get along regardless of whose burger it is, and Lucy would leave Linus and his blanket alone.

And people do make me laugh around here.
God most definitely has a sense of humor.