Christmas 2008

Andreas made us some delicious Danish rice pudding this year. Normally, I'm not a rice pudding fan myself, but I tried his and really liked it. It miracuslously disappeared from our refrigerator in a short time.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, though it didn't quite turn out like we expected. We had planned on celebrating in southern California, where it would be warm. This seemed especially wonderful when snow hit Portland, almost two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the impact crippled the city and the airport. Curtis and Andreas were due to fly out on the 22nd. Despite a valiant effort to get to PDX with suitcases in tow (in the snow!), their flight was canceled. Alaska Airlines said they could not be re-booked until the 26th. I was due to fly out on the 24th after work on Southwest. I never checked to see if my flight left or not (unlikely), as I wasn't going to spend it apart from my guys. I was sad to not see my parents and sister Brenda, though.

I got off early on Christmas Eve and rode the MAX downtown for some last-minute shopping that Santa needed to do. I hit Abercrombie, Macy's, Safeway, and Rite Aid. Curtis had invited some friends over for a Christmas Eve dinner. We were delighted that we weren't the only ones in town. Kevin, Sam, Rick, Henry, Daniel, and my sister Tina joined us for a wonderful dinner of salad, ham, green bean salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dessert. We then shared Christmas memories, read Luke 2 from the Bible ("Just like dad does," Tina reported to me), and sang some Christmas carols. It was a good time spent with some good people.

Curtis, Andreas, Tina and I walked in the snow to midnight mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in NW Portland. There was a good turnout, but not as full as it normally is. The music was fantastic and enjoyable! By the time Santa was done with his work, it was 3:30am! Tina slept on the couch.



Surprisingly, I was the first one up (around 9:45am). We opened our stockings first, then took turns handing out presents and opening them up individually. I thought Tina had been naughty this year, but Santa brought her some gifts anyway (she was to receive many more later at Aunt Kim's house). I got a bunch of good books and movies this year. Andreas gave me "Dark Knight" and a Joker bobble-head, as well as a Blockbuster gift card. Curtis gave me a very nice duty bag for work. I also received "Into the Wild," a wonderful movie made from the great book of the same name. I got a new scarf, too! Aunt Kim gave me gift cards to Red Lobster and the Cheesecake Factory (does she know me, or what?).



The next highlight of the day was dinner at my Aunt Kim's house. I hiked down to PSU and picked up an all-wheel-drive Subaru. I picked up everyone at my condo, then we headed out to NE Portland. The roads were good. Once we arrived, heavy snow began. We brought lots of Martinelli's and made some spinach artichoke tartlet appetizers. Kim and Brian did the rest. We feasted on ham, Mormon potatoes, green bean casserole, jello, and more I can't even remember. Dessert was pies (several kinds) and Christmas cookies.

After dinner, we came home and watched "A Christmas Story," which has to be my favorite Christmas movie. One of Tina's co-workers came and picked her up, since she had to be to work at 8am the next day.

Our original holiday plans didn't work out, but our holiday was awesome! I am grateful to have family in Portland.