This was officially my first Christmas “away” from Family, and I must say…I have never been so homesick and ironically appreciative of holidays spent at home (the Philippines).

Despite the sparkly lights and bejeweled tree...It was kind of quiet and somber. Maybe because there was no Karaoke singing? There was some witty banter though, and I love love loved the smell of a fresh Christmas tree =)

I didn’t witness nor hear even one Christmas Caroler of any age, race or attire...just muted images of a Christmas parade on tv.

We didn’t get any envelopes stamped “Season’s Greetings” from our local postman, electrician or any other government entity (Oh wait, I did get a letter from Firefighters about a pledge – but that’s different.)

Unlike in the Philippines…where 3 or 4 generations of my Family as well as Family friends and even Godchildren come from far and wide to celebrate – only Tori’s Dad, Stepmom, Stepbrother and his niece were present. We exchanged gifts, said our goodbyes and thank you's and packed up to leave.

And what about the games? If I suggested we "make the longest line" or play inverted charades, they would've looked at me like I was some crazy person.

I missed it though. My aunt's echoing laughter, my mom's delicious cooking, my cousin's affectionate raucous, my son's weight on my shoulder as he drifts off into sleep...

Sometimes traditions and the familiar can be fun and even comforting.My sister was right. We should start a few of our own.

We are currently the part-time caretakers of a 2 month old Doberman puppy named Jack...and his somewhat grumpy mama, Sprite. After having them a couple days, T and I wondered why the puppy hadn't well...defecated yet. Then, as fate would have it - we found out why. Just as he backed up and squeezed out a log - Sprite came up and licked it all (as it oozed out!). Mystery solved.

Atleast twice this week, I've noticed scattered bird feathers along the sidewalk of our office building. Pigeon feathers, I presume. I looked up at the nearby trees, but saw no birds nor any signs of bird nests.There didn't seem to be any stray cats either...it seems as if there is some sort of ongoing bird massacre. 

As I walked home from a nearby convenience store late yesterday afternoon (to buy some chocolate milk), I felt the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end...clearly disturbed and mildly curious, I looked back and saw four cats seated on the sidewalk. Were they following me? Or just watching me? Did they want my chocolate milk? It looked so amazingly creepy.