Heavy Holiday Influence Winding down
Christmas morning 2023. Tommy was up at 4am taking Talon to the airport. Jen and I enjoyed the lazy morning, as did Lauren. Jen's French toast casserole, Bacon, Steak 'n Eggs all went down well and we opened gifts. All were well received including Lauren's graceful understanding of a delayed arrival and a deferred obligation. Lauren and I visited Linda's site at her request which was touching. We took lucky but left hm in the car since they're not allowed. After which we went to visit my mom. I was quite tired, even feeling a bit sick likely from the 'abuse' of going off script for so many days and eating sub-optimally. After a brief nap I suggested the option of Lauren returning early tomorrow AM but we went with the original plan and drove up to Sac around 4pm. Traffic was surprisingly smooth and steady. We walked and drove about the "Fab 40's" to check out the homes and lights. It was and always is a highlight. We dropped Lauren off and made it back home by 9.30. On the way home we talked about some strategies for 2024 goals and plans, about some potentially challenging situations on the horizon to manage, but mostly the opportunities and intentions on the road ahead. I think my plans are coming together well for taking some next steps. One of the gifts from Jen was a 1yr "MasterClass" subscription, which she thought would help me with my interests in writing, in wine, in music, in mindfulness. I'd never had bought this for myself, I'd just lean on podcasts and audiobooks, which makes it a more thoughtful gift. The gift of intention and focus behind the gesture is the heart of well meaning. I've 'saved' a slew but for the month ahead, writing will dominate my attention and I'll be starting one of many of the writing classes this week in preparation. It was nice to be warmly greeted by Tommy when we returned home. He's been "off his game" with a friend in town and seemed to be a bit aloof and understandably distracted. He's back to work tomorrow and Wednesday and then in Tahoe through NYE. I'm grateful to have had this day, to have this family, to have the experiences that led to this point, including things I might regret or resent. As I told Lauren earlier today, If I could go back there's as many things that I'd do the same again as there are that I'd do differently.