14 Days 'Til Xmas

That Christmassy Feel

Hello my friends!  Well, what news do I have for you today? No dating update but other reflections to offer.  Following the heated photoshoot, I have recovered the humiliation of my grease job to Mr. December.  No further comment to report other than the fact that my hand still tingles, but that's a story for another time - after let's say five or six apple martinis.

Today was another new beginning for me.  What began as already not so normal holiday season workday erupted into a full-blown, child-like Christmas, initiated by my wonderful assistant who reminded me that the holidays are so much more than than the traditions most of us have enjoyed throughout the years.  Sometimes we have to infuse the season with something new and exciting.  

A quick trip to FAO Schwarz infected me in the best possible way with everything the season holds.  Like a kid I hugged teddy bears and played with Barbie dolls, that look very different from the ones I grew up with.  I built a Lego monster, that looked very similar to my mother when she wears her old foam curlers, and I watched two very enthusiastic and talented salesgirls skip across the keyboard of the Big Piano (which sells for a hefty 300 grand.)  Their feet energetically created "Carol of the Bells" and it was then that I truly knew this was a magical season. This year - 2013 - is the best holiday season ever! (yes even in spite of the lesbian profile, freaky and frustrating speed dating, trip to Meryton, and my mortification during the auditions.)

Here's a clip of the Big Piano in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGb7FjPw2S8

Following my shopping excursion and success in finding ten various glass and plastic ornaments, tucked in my beautiful red shopping bag, I then met up with a new acquaintance for lunch down at my favorite little haunt C'Est Bon Cafe.  Walking along 57th Street toward Madison Avenue while singing "Hot Chocolate" from the movie "Polar Express," got me in the mood, and I promptly gave into the sugar-laden, whipped cream topped delight once I arrived at the cafe.  Not to mention it was twenty-eight degrees with a wind-chill factor of nineteen.  Needless to say, I was chilled to the bone. So, my new friend is an incredible young woman who has an infectious laugh and a vibrant zest for life.  Miss G is an aspiring cellist who has a definite career path planned out: Philharmonic audition next year.  We had a great time and made plans to meet again.  I was shocked when G invited me to spend Christmas Day with her and her brother after he brings gifts to needy children.  A brother whom she is very eager to set me up with.  He sounds like every girl's dream catch and definitely someone I'd be willing to meet.  I know, I know, I've had my fill of blind dates even if I only went on one, but this guy sounds perfect.   I was surprised by G's offer, she doesn't even know me - but again - it was the spreading of that holiday joy the season is known for, the giving and receiving of kindness.  You know what?  I just may consider going and finally tell my mother to shove ...  Sorry, that's not ladylike and certainly not Christmas charitable.  

Well that wasn't the end of our lunch.  I tell you, G was so filled with the holiday spirit that when we exited the cafe and walked to the corner of 56th and Madison there were two Salvation Army cadets with their kettle.  No, they weren't just ringing their bell, they were dancing to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas."  Could you believe it!?  MY song!!  The Blog's Title!!  Wouldn't you know it, within seconds both G and I joined the men in singing and dancing in the freezing cold with onlookers gathering and the donations dropping into that little red kettle. Somewhere between Mariah singing  "I just want you for my own" and "More than you could ever know."  I literally took the hair clip from my hair, releasing it from its confines.  What a blast!  I literally and figuratively Let My Hair Down and it felt great! Note to new friend:  If you've decided to follow the blog, G, here's an official shout out for helping to make my day so special!  Thank you! Below are a couple of cadets from last year, so you can get an idea of what fun we had.  I bet you'll be in the holiday mood, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhkK-EwyheU

Ho, Ho I cannot forget to mention, that my boss and the founder of the Burn Foundation are both over-the-top happy about the campaign.  Charlotte is getting a fat check of appreciation from the founder because apparently she knew that it's Charlotte's superb work gracing the calendar, not JL's. Oh, and it seems I made the news on Monday (no I haven't seen it, but thank you all for letting me know what was televised.  I don't want to watch my hand smear oil on Mr. December.  No need to, the image is forever burned in my brain thankyouverymuch.)

Here's our song for today, a happy song in honor of my splurge and my new friend - Polar Express "Hot Chocolate"

Song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaD8O2RiVIc

P.S. Yesterday on my way to the boxing studio, I saw Mr. December chatting up the blonde receptionist at my gym - another blonde.  Sheesh.  I could hear her laughter above the Christmas music.