Most probably the last post of the year with this here tonight. I guess I will start with the lovely and necessay tidings of good cheer and fellowship in this the time of our Lord’s birth. That being said, lets step back to follow what happened following that last post. I drove to Farmington to spend the weekend with Jen (and her wonderful family). When I arrived we sat and talked for a few, then headed to Polonia for some wonderful Polish food and atmosphere. I was immediately reminded of old family parties when we were seated at the 8′ folding table with chintzy chairs and plexiglass covering the table cloth to avoid those messy cleanups. That was a great meal with the sampler platter, followed by the trip back to her house, going to visit her apt and Rascal, as well as drop lunch off to Christine. After which we sat around watched something on TV some football and i think part of Stargate SG-1, before heading out the the TSO concert. We got there early enough to accomplish some shopping at a nearby mall, then thoroughly enjoyed the concert, great music an lights, and lasers. We ended up heading back to her parent’s house and watching a movie before going our separate ways to bed. Sunday I awoke to her and her mother being at church so I went and shot the breeze with her father about jobs, life and cars. What else is there anyhow? Then to the mall to meet up with Sara for lunch and then back to the house and to begin the return trip to GR.

Back in GR, KT stopped by to spend the night at a different venue since my couch is always open, we had dinner, played Super Mario World, and drank before finally crashing around 2am. Work the remainder of the week before the holiday was alright. Nothing too much of note, Monday some more shopping wrapping presents, watching football and packing to come in to town for a week. We ended up leaving from GV at around 1:15 on Tuesday with a few side trips to make it to Chicago before 5 to get my car. We squeaked in about 3 minutes to, and I retrieved my car and we headed to the parents house to have dinner and send Joe and Si back up to GR in the snowstorm. BS with Jon and the fam for a while, then Wednesday sleep in, play with Dad and make cookies, and then Christmas Dinner was an amazing standing rib roast, which I managed to cook, followed by Midnight mass of the 10:30 variety, then to come home listen to music and fall asleep.

Christmas was wonderful, time to exchange gifts with the family in the morning at home, then for the mid-day meal at Dorothy’s house followed by the late-evening meal over at aunt MaryAnns house. All of these were good times, there was much to be said and heard from the old fogies at the events as well as catching up with the rest of the family that we just don’t get to see often. Then to the poolhall to meet up with Todd, Kelly, and Al. We hung out there for a while, then parted ways with Kelly as we headed out to the bar. BJ McMahons isn’t a bad little place to go consume a few drinks. Friday to the museum of Science and Industry, which has been greatly improved. The aeroplanes are always a favorite of mine, but the train layout of production from Seattle to Chicago was amazing, the detail was superb and all around a good time over there with the family. Then to Goose Island Brewpub for dinner and beers, followed by the family excursion to Sam’s (the liquor store across the street from GI) and the trip home to just chill out for a bit and await going out again. Jon and I went to pick up Al, then headed out to the Tinley area to have a few beers and wait for Beth to return a phone call, I guess that didn’t happen though. We had some beers then came back to Oak Lawn, had some more beers, then headed home. Saturday we worked on the Toilet, replacing the wax ring, then the guts of the tank, and by the time all is said and done ….. we still have the same porcelain. Then varnishing the cabinets in the kitched, yes while also drinking a beer, then to Galyans and back home. Dinner with family, then trying to find somthing to do. That failed.

Sunday was a day of working for Dorothy, Jon replaced the filter on her humidifier, while i replaced teh kitchen light fixture, we were paid in Polish food. Then back to the house to get changed and head tot he OA Winter Banquet. Set up for the banquet, eat, talk and be merry with all the scouts and scouters, watch some of the awards, then the Vigil callout ceremony went off rather well, and our 6 new candidates will be enjoying this time. The banquet closes, Jone goes home, i come “home” and get changed to go back out with Todd to shoot some more pool and drink some more beer. It ended up being 3.5 hours of pool and 3 hard ciders and a shot of rumpleminze, shoot the shit for another hour and crash by 3:30a. Today shop for office chairs, get eye exam, and other misc errands. Eat lunch/dinner at Famous Dave’s, now that was some delicious BBQ foods, come home and just chill out, hopefully to go out in a bit.

Now I’m not sure how many people are familiar with the tradition of Oplatki, but oh well, we are. After this whole ceremonious affair, Everyone has told me to do what makes me happy. I really with I knew what that would be. Will it be going out and being a trail guide, staying in IT, furthering my education, I don’t know anymore. I just need to find some sort of stability in whateve form, other than a bottle, that it takes. I need to find a nice girl to hang out with, because I think Abby might be getting tired of dealing with me, jk. But seriously, I have no idea what I want or need in life,I just want to be happy in some position, hopefully with someone. But who knows. I will ust continue to roll with the punches and see where this crazy ride will take me. DON’T FORGET New Years Eve party at my apt, BE THERE.