Here's my official Holiday update.
Christmas this year: It wasn't bad. But along with the fact that I didn't get any days off (damned bank...), the new additions to the family made Christmas awkward. I mean, my Mom just got married this past August and I don't know any of his family, so suddenly my Christmas went from being me, my Mom, and my big sister delivering Christmas dinner to elderly people in town (yeah, that was seriously our Christmas tradition. How cool is that?) to a bunch of strangers with christmas sweaters and yelping little kids with barbie dolls.
The presents were light this year too. My little sister got me a sleeping bag for the trail in March. Unfortunately, she got ne a 35 degree bag. I need two: one 15 degree and one 50 degree. So... I can't really use that.
My mom got me a book about the AT. It's a really useful book. So useful , in fact, that everyone recommends it, and I already have a copy that I bought myself a copy four months ago, and had already shown it to her.
But I did get a $50 gift certificate, which will help with the trail, and my older sister gave me some canvases, paints (not quite the ones I use in my palette, but close enough for them to be useful) and two good quality brushes. Those will be useful before I go on the trail.
I had the other half of Christmas (divorced parents) today. It was low key. My dad gave me a frame pack he got at goodwill (cheap, but should be great for the trail, provided it stays together) and a bunch of little trail stuff. We also talked about bills and insurance and stuff for when I go. I have a lot to do.
New Year's was okay. I went out to Western MA to my friend Bill's. He always has a low-key party with friends from college. I was a little disappointed because the two people I wanted to see most, Chad and Anne, were both absent. I miss them both. It was a little discouraging that most of my friends showed up with their significant others, most of whom are pretty serious and happy couples. I know I should be happy for them, but it seems that lately everywhere I turn is someone reminding me how much I miss having someone to be close to, and how long it's been. And with the trail coming up, that promises not to change any time soon.
To end this entry on a high note, Shayne liked the present I got her for Christmas.
I also got ninedayjane a present, which she will love if I can ever get her out of her apartment to come hang out with me.
Okay, there's everything interesting I had to say and them some. Expect another entry later this week in the form of a to-do list for the trail.
Christmas this year: It wasn't bad. But along with the fact that I didn't get any days off (damned bank...), the new additions to the family made Christmas awkward. I mean, my Mom just got married this past August and I don't know any of his family, so suddenly my Christmas went from being me, my Mom, and my big sister delivering Christmas dinner to elderly people in town (yeah, that was seriously our Christmas tradition. How cool is that?) to a bunch of strangers with christmas sweaters and yelping little kids with barbie dolls.
The presents were light this year too. My little sister got me a sleeping bag for the trail in March. Unfortunately, she got ne a 35 degree bag. I need two: one 15 degree and one 50 degree. So... I can't really use that.
My mom got me a book about the AT. It's a really useful book. So useful , in fact, that everyone recommends it, and I already have a copy that I bought myself a copy four months ago, and had already shown it to her.
But I did get a $50 gift certificate, which will help with the trail, and my older sister gave me some canvases, paints (not quite the ones I use in my palette, but close enough for them to be useful) and two good quality brushes. Those will be useful before I go on the trail.
I had the other half of Christmas (divorced parents) today. It was low key. My dad gave me a frame pack he got at goodwill (cheap, but should be great for the trail, provided it stays together) and a bunch of little trail stuff. We also talked about bills and insurance and stuff for when I go. I have a lot to do.
New Year's was okay. I went out to Western MA to my friend Bill's. He always has a low-key party with friends from college. I was a little disappointed because the two people I wanted to see most, Chad and Anne, were both absent. I miss them both. It was a little discouraging that most of my friends showed up with their significant others, most of whom are pretty serious and happy couples. I know I should be happy for them, but it seems that lately everywhere I turn is someone reminding me how much I miss having someone to be close to, and how long it's been. And with the trail coming up, that promises not to change any time soon.
To end this entry on a high note, Shayne liked the present I got her for Christmas.
I also got ninedayjane a present, which she will love if I can ever get her out of her apartment to come hang out with me.
Okay, there's everything interesting I had to say and them some. Expect another entry later this week in the form of a to-do list for the trail.
Glad to hear that your holiday visits went well. Sounds as though you had some very thoughful presents. you're getting closer to your departure... so that should give you lots to think about and get psyched up for in the new year!
Thank you so much! and Happy New year!!!!