The Best Christmas Ever!

One year ago at this time, I was lying alone in a hospital bed, sobbing on the phone to my mother; asking her to bring me a pizza because it was New Year's eve.

These memories just miiiight have something to do with the holidays seeming so magical this year. But when I actually pause to think about what made it seem so great, I realize that it didn't just seem wonderful, it was wonderful. And it would have been just as magical had I not been in the hospital last Christmas. Here are my highlights.

I got to meet Air's dad for the first time! (Technically, we had actually met already in the summer of 2008. I had just started temping at HC and he came to town; met Air at his office.)

I hosted the above mentioned and his entourage for a couple of nights as well as Court and Amy. Most importantly, I learned that hosting is really not such a big deal. * Sigh *

By winning an intense Rock-Paper-Scissor tournament, Air decided we would open our gifts as soon as we got home at noon Christmas eve. He gave me such thoughtful, cute presents and we couldn't stop hugging the whole time. While I won't go into further detail, just know that it was a highlight. ;)

We had Ryan & Keeley over for dinner later that night. We all made Sue's manicotti recipe then decided to set up a web conference with them. They were so happy to see us. Later, we busted out Sing Star that Air had given me.

Air and I both got some amazing gifts Christmas day: Video camera, napkin dispenser, neon Leafs clock, pinup girl calendars, AWESOME blowdryer, among many more. We also finally got to give everyone their Bobbleheads. (Once I get my act together, I'll post their pictures in a slideshow. Check back some time in the next few days!)

Aaron (deservedly,) won the Gingerbread House contest again this year! It's only the second year of the contest, and Aaron still holds the title! For those of you who haven't experienced this, the houses are built without the judge, (my Grandma,) seeing them. Once all complete, the houses are then put anonymously on display. My grandma then scrutinizes them, candy by candy, and decides whose house is the best. My dad was a second judge in the contest this year, as the number of participants nearly doubled from last year!*

As previously mentioned, Aaron really did deserve to win. (And I say this objectively, without any bias.) He was the only participant to give his design any thought prior to beginning decoration. According to him, he had decided on the drive to my parents' house that morning. This brilliant idea was the nativity scene. He took apart the traditional house, that had already been put together, and used the individual graham crackers to build a stable. He even put in Baby Jesus, made of grape licorice.

The funniest part of the contest was how my grandma kept pointing out that it was Black Baby Jesus in a manger! There were a few honourable mentions, such as Uncle Carl's house with the Christmas tree in the yard, and Jordan's Jungle Man/Transformer Sumo Warrior Guy thing. Finally, with consult from my dad, Aaron's house was once again declared the winner. Again, for his original idea.

My mom put photos on Facebook. Click here to see them!

Well, I just realized how much I've rambled. Happy New Year!! Wait 'til you see what kind of resolutions lie ahead of me.... 2010 is going to be a busy year.

Pork Chop

* Last year there were only 5 (Aaron, Robyn, Karen, Cam, Marni,) and this year there were 9 (Aaron, Robyn, Amber, Jami, Jordan, Carl, Beryl-Anne, Zach, Karen).

You may have noticed something different upon loading the (bookmarked, surely,) site, Gies Gossip.... Uh.... There is no more Gies Gossip. Shit... Is the URL of this blog /giesgossip or something like that? I guess I'll find out afterwards. The more I thought about it, I didn't really have a lot of Gies Gossip flowing... And while it will be one of my many upcoming new year's resolutions to stay in better contact with family and friends, I currently have no fresh info. Sooooo.... I'll begin by keeping it simple, and then maybe expand topics after a while.

I am hoping that Freddy decides to create a new Gies Gossip blog. I'll post the link from the new one once I get it from him. (I couldn't just hand this one over to him as blogger asks for your gmail account as your login name.)

I am finally on xmas vacation and finally have no house guests nor visitors and have had thoughts of what to write about. Two blogs to follow:

1) The Best Christmas Ever!
2) New Years Resolutions

Here we go!