Roses in December

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It was that impossible thing: happiness that does not wilt to reveal the thin shoots of some new desire rising from within it.

George Saunders, “Tenth Of December”

Another month recap in pictures, with a postscript on other stuff:

The month began as it always begins, with Christmas movies in the background whilst stringing (aka copiously weaving) tree lights and debating with Child #3 about whether we need to buy more ornaments. (Note: Despite appearances, we are not religious; “The Very First Christmas” book is actually an audio recording made by Dad and my stepmom, and always has a place of honor.)
If You Know You Know. The best holiday gathering this side of I-94, hands down, no contest, period. (Although there was a contest or two this year.) Despite the no-nerds policy, I somehow again gained admittance into this ridiculously awesome merge of theatre, games, song, and cinephilia. Best part was bringing one of my best friends, who is equally nerdy and had never before experienced the magic of Fortress Party. I hope to never not go to this incredible event.
I finally took time off from work and school. I mean, significant time off. Reckless time off. A near snotty and elitist level of time off. Thank you to my team at work for holding down the fort while I was away for 16 beautiful, rest-filled, soul-filling days with my fluffy housemates and oh-so-much fantastic reading material. Favorites were “Blood Child and Other Stories” by Octavia Butler and “Table for Two” by Amor Towles, but I also greatly enjoyed reading several plays and the 6th installment in Pierce Brown’s noir-meets-dystopian-sci-fi Red Rising series. I can’t remember the last time I felt this content.
I can sincerely say this was one of the best Christmas Eves in recent memory! All the kids were home — not hanging out with their friends but actually and truly home! We cooked and dined on mac and cheese, baked and decorated cookies, watched “Die Hard” at their request (among my proudest accomplishments as a parent), and even played a game. This was also the first year I got more than 3 hours sleep, thanks to doing a little Christmas prep each day (benefits of being on vacation).
All weddings have their charm, but this one cast more of a spell than most. Both the ceremony and reception were at a semi-secluded resort in Howell, MI. The officiant was one of my good friends, both the bride and groom are friends, the groom being particularly dear to me, and a third of the guests were from my theatre community. The evening was filled with some of the best conversations I had all year, the DJ was five-stars, the dance floor was never empty, and the mood was pure, unadulterated joy. I will remember this one for a very long time.
What better way to close out 2024 than with the party that has become my go-to over the past several years. A small gathering of theatre-loving and -doing folks, most of whom I only see at this event, with charcuterie fare and peel-and-eat shrimp as our ceremonial cuisine and a tree that never fails to remind me of Tom Hardy (pictured above). After a healthy debate on “best New Year’s movie” (and whether there even is such a thing), we settled on watching one of the Christmas episodes of “The Goes Wrong Show” and our now-traditional random resolutions game. This year, I got “finish each day thinking of at least one good thing that happened that day.” Cheers to that.

December highlights not pictured:

  • My coworker and I completed a major goal at work related to the use of AI technology tools to support legal processes. For our final presentation to senior leaders, we baked sugar cookes in the shape of tools, brought in our personal tool boxes as props, and used “Y.M.C.A” as our walk-on and walk-off music. I think I’ve found my people.
  • The parents of Child #1’s partner invited me over for an official “let’s get to know one another” dinner and board games, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. I’m so proud of the person my baby has become and how they are leading their life. To see them thrive, in their own way, comfortably and compassionately yet on their own terms — there’s just nothing that competes with that. Nothing in the world.

And so it goes, and so it goes.

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