The Holidays - Good News, Bad News

Generally speaking, I like the holiday season. However, as with most things in life, there's a down-side and leave it to me to point that out... sorry, it's who I am. Thankfully, the good far outweighs the bad. Here are a few of the good/bad things that come to mind. See if any of this rings a bell.

Food

Good - What can I say? The food is fabulous, the ultimate comfort food, and there's usually enough leftovers to last for several more meals.
Bad - As always I eat too much and feel miserable... for a while.

Good - Traditional making and eating of the Chex Mix. I like tradition and I like Chex Mix.
Bad - It's like an addiction. Once I start eating it, I just can't stop. Then my digestive system revolts. I won't get any more descriptive than that. Use your imagination... it's a lot of fiber, you know.

Family

Good - I love having family around, at least for a short time, even the in-laws.
Bad - Trying not to step on or trip over any one of 5 dogs and a cat.

Good - The kids are starting their own families and holiday traditions.
Bad - It's getting more difficult to schedule family gatherings so that no family is left out.

Good - Going back to Nashville to see extended family and my parents.
Bad - Coming up with yet another excuse as to why we're not spending the night at my parents house. I love my parents dearly, but my nerves can't handle spending too much time there.

Gift Giving

Good - I love the spirit of giving
Bad - It's frustrating that I can't afford to give as much as I would like

Good - Finding that perfect gift for a loved one
Bad - Trying to find that perfect gift for a loved one

Good - Seeing the gifts all wrapped and piling up around the Christmas tree.
Bad - Actually wrapping the gifts

Holiday Decorations

Good - I love to see all the pretty decorations, the lights, the ornaments, etc. It just makes things seem a little more festive.
Bad - I dislike actually doing the decorating, then naturally followed by the un-decorating.


As I said, in my mind anyway, the good far outweighs the bad. I hope it is the same for you and that you all have a wonderful holiday season.

I'm Tired and I Don't Understand

Of what am I tired? The list is lengthy but here's the short list.

1. I'm tired of double standards, but not all of them. Pick a subject, any subject, anywhere you look there are double standards. There are some who would say that all double standards are bad, but I believe there are a few that are ok and were actually intended that way since the creation of man/woman. So, is it a double standard to say that not all double standards are bad?

2. I'm tired of double-speak. All men are created equal, but we should embrace and indeed celebrate our diversity.

3. I'm tired of guilt trips, real or perceived. There are plenty of things in my life that I rightfully feel guilty about. I don't need help from anyone else in that regard.

4. I'm tired of political correctness. It would be politically incorrect for me to tell all the things of which I'm tired.


What don't I understand? Again, the list is too long, but here's a sample.

1. I don't understand how millions of people can be held captive by a single person... think North Korea.

2. I don't understand why so many people have been killed in the name of religion... and Christians are not blameless in this regard.

3. I don't understand why so many people in 3rd-world areas have not advanced beyond tribal knowledge.

4. I don't understand why so many people have no shame in expecting others to provide for them.

5. I don't understand why if you illegally cross the border into N. Korea or Iran, you get charged with espionage and sentenced to hard labor or even death. But if you illegally cross the border into the U.S. you get a job, free healthcare, and a fast track to citizenship.

6. I don't understand why our own government reports show that the U.S. has oil reservoirs equal to, if not exceeding, those of the Middle East, yet we can't go after it and are held captive to Middle Eastern oil.

7. I don't understand how a person can be convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve 14 - 20 years, but the law requires him to be released after 9 years... saw that on 20/20.

8. I don't understand why it's ok to destroy a living human fetus, but you can go to jail for kicking your dog.

9. I don't understand why we need to send people back to the moon. What could we possibly gain that justifies the expense?

10. I don't understand why my body develops aches & pains for no apparent reason, and I'm tired of it.