Count Your Blessings

Monday's whine was a bit boring. Actually, things aren't all that bad. In fact, I've had several Christmas blessings in the last few days.

Christmas Blessing #1
We had our department Christmas dinner on Friday, which is always a grand time. I work with very cool, creative, groovy folks, so a gathering is always fun. The dinner was scrumptious. But my boss made it even better with my Christmas gift: the Amy Sedaris entertaining book! Does he know me or what?

Christmas Blessing #2
Cat Power’s Chan Marshall’s cover of Cat Stevens’ “How Can I Tell You” in this year’s DeBeers’ “A Diamond is Forever” commercial. I stop and watch the commercial every time, just to hear her voice. And that necklace is to die for!

Christmas Blessing #3
I awoke Saturday drained of all energy and personality. It was cold outside, so I curled up with the cats on the sofa and watched Christmas in Connecticut (Barbara Stanwick is so damn cool) — then stumbled across a That Girl marathon! I love and identify with Ann Marie … and her wardrobe. In fact, a lot of my love for my single life can be traced back to That Girl.

Christmas Blessing #4
If you’re lazing away an afternoon watching chick TV, you need a brownie. Believe it or not, I found a forgotten brownie — a bakery brownie, with thick fudge frosting — in my freezer. Santa loves me.

Christmas Blessing #5
How the Grinch Stole Christmas was on last night. And I watched it for the fortieth straight year. Recited large chunks of narration and sang all the songs. Loudly and happily and full of spirit, my beloved M be damned.

Welcome Christmas, as we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.

Today’s Christmas Playlist

Clarence Carter: Back Door Santa
Ru Paul: Santa Baby
Mel Tormé: The Christmas Song
Dean Martin: The Christmas Blues
R.E.M.: Deck the Halls
Young Fresh Fellows: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Darlene Love: Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), live on Letterman, 2004
Carpenters: Merry Christmas Darling
Alabama: Christmas in Dixie
Arthur Fiedler: Sleigh Ride