Hmmm. Apparently my newish sister-in-law has no intentions of inviting us to her Christmas gathering. Beautiful. Just freakin’ beautiful. It’s not like I actually wanted to interact with said family members, but you know, it’s very rude to completely ignore us, especially when people just invite themselves to our house without any kind of consideration for our schedules (You’ll remember the tale of last Christmas). But, that’s besides the point.
So, what is the point? Well, we are holiday orphans. No plans. Nada, Zilch, Zip.
We’ve been tossing around some ideas here at Chez Disenchanted and came up with three basic options:
- Stay at home, watch movies, and put up the tree. Buy Christmas presents.
- Make several “mini-trips” to regional destinations, put up the tree. This would include art museums, caves, and possibly sledding.
- Go back to New Mexico, this time hitting the southern part of the state. See Roswell. See the Missile Fields. Go and soak in the hot springs at Truth or Consequences. Get warm.
The only problem with the first two options? I need a 12 step program for Workaholics. If we stay home, I suspect that I’ll be in my office, working, working, working, until the planned power outage on the 29th kicks me out of the building. Sadly, I keep working like a dog even though I know that this year’s work is “lost work.” The tenure binder is in, so I can’t add anything else to it. Nothing I do will count towards the promotion to Full. I should just sit back and enjoy the ride, but I get all nervous if I am not at work. Seriously, the only time I can relax is when I leave Sorta’ Cosmopolitan for a fun-filled vacation.
The problem with a big trip is that I am going to a conference the week before school starts up again … and I am driving. It might be possible to change my plans and make them buy me a plane tix to New Orleans, but I’d have to rent a car to do some research while I am in the area. Blah.
Suggestions? Comments? Commentary?
New Mexico.
Purely selfish… beautiful place, good food, lots to do. No Office.
Shuffles feet, looks down. Er… you could always come visit your online pal CQ.
The house is in one piece and there’s an extra bed.
oooh new mexico!!!!!!! gets you out of the office. either that or if you want to stay home, have the coach hide your office keys somewhere. perhaps even hide your work laptop??
We’re still considering all of our options. I might be able to fly to New Orleans on the Uni’s dime, which would make New Mexico more appealing. We’ll see.
@CQ: Thanks for the offer, but isn’t it cold there? BRRRR!!!
Holiday orphans. Right about now, that sounds so nice. A few months ago, when my entire family said they were coming for the hols, I was excited. Now, with only a few more weeks of freedom, I’m dreading it. Once they arrive, it’ll be total chaos, a total family immersion. So, I say: enjoy your time! As a perpetual homebody, the staying home option sounds good to me. As a passionate New Mex fan, I say: go to NM! I don’t see how you could go wrong either way.
@disenchanted: Cold. Here? Colder than, say, staying in Sorta’ Cosmopolitan or visiting “regional” destinations?
It may be Conservative Hell, but normally it is warmer here than in Sorta’ Cosmo at Christmas time.
Regardless, I’d be happy to host you and the coach any time of the year, anywhere I live.
I’m actually going to drive to New Orleans and spend Christmas there. You should come there.
Have you written the book? I enjoy your writing very much. It’s honest and quirky and makes me laugh.