While I was working on a paper today, I put my new and glorious cable T.V. in a little window up on my computer screen. I find it easier to think through an essay with some sort of back ground noise humming. I flip on the History Channel and they’re showing a movie about Jesus. I put on CNN and it’s a spot called “What Would Jesus REALLY Do?”. Lifetime… TLC… all of them were focused on Jesus. It took me a minute to realize that our stations hadn’t all gone religious, but rather it’s Easter Sunday.

Last night I had a wonderful dinner with my dad, step-mom, and step-bro. Vegetarian lasagna instead of ham. Yum! I was able to see my Uncle (aka Mr. Chicago), Aunt, and cutie pie cousin. He made me an Easter egg; hard boiled and painted a deep purple. So, yesterday felt like the holiday to me, not today.

I’ll admit that I was a little peeved by my choice in television programing. I don’t think it was necessarily because I do or don’t believe in any religion. I just got angry at the lack of options. The channels that I’m normally so faithful to all seem to have forsaken me at the same time. I watched The Passion of Christ just like everyone else did, but once was enough for me. I’ve read the story of Jesus’ crucification in bible study as a child, it was enough for me then. I’ve drawn pictures in Sunday school of how Jesus rose from the grave, and that was enough too.

I just decided that today I don’t want to hear the story again. No matter if it’s Easter or not. Blasphemous? Maybe. Honest? Totally.

The Discovery Channel was my savior though and (quite ironically) had an Egyption mummy excavation show marathon playing all day. It was fascinating. I finished my paper. No one was harmed in the process. And all is good in the world right now.

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Yes we all know it’s Valentines Day. Even though I try to deny it, it’s impossible to escape. I’m partial to calling it the Hallmark of all Hallmark holidays. Even Wikipedia has ear marked it as such here.

But who doesn’t appreciate a good Valentine, eh?

I was eating lunch today in between classes at my University when a girl comes up to me and says, “Happy Valentines Day!”. She gently placed a card in front of me with a very endearing smile. “How sweet!”, I thought. I picked up the card, read it, and realized that it was an advertisement for the Lutheran Campus Ministry. My ego was deflated.

Later in the afternoon, I was reading a paper in the hallway before class started. A guy I recognized came up to me and handed me a tiny little manila folder. He put a cute little red heart on it and bellowed, “Happy Valentines!” The folder was sealed and I stuck it in my pocket after graciously accepting it (it’s a bit awkward opening a card from a random person while they’re watching, yes?). I thought that perhaps my luck had changed! Maybe he’s admired me in class for the last 6 weeks and was waiting until this very day to reveal his true feelings. Ahhh… swoon. (Even it was a silly boy.)

In all honesty, I had forgotten about it until after I got home. But I just ripped it open and it says:

“You are worth my life… Love Jesus.”

dangit!

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My brother came by today with my niece Abby and nephew Max.  Two of the most gorgeous and intelligent kids I’ve ever met in my life.  I see them and have hope that my kids will be just as rad as they are. 

My neice Abby asked me when she got here if we celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah.  I looked at her and said, “You know what Hanukkah is?” And then proceded to quiz her on it.  She told me that every day they light a candle for 8 days on a menora.  And there is a present for every day too.  I was shocked!  “Where did you learn this?” I said.  She told me they taught it in school.  Then she asked me again what we celebrate.  So, I pointed out the Christmas tree we were sitting next to and asked her if she knew what that was.  She said that it’s Christmas here then, right? 

Later when I was playing guitar for her she whispers in my ear to play a Hanukkah song about a dreidel.  I asked her how the words go because I couldn’t remember and she says, “Dreidel dreidel dreidel, I made it out of clay.  And when it’s dry and ready, Then dreidel I shall play!”  ha!  She knew it all!  So I sang, and we had a cheery ol’ Christmas/Hanukkah time.

I was trumped by a 5 year old.  I barely knew anything about Hanukkah until Einat explained it to me.  Abby has about a 20 year advance on me in this respect.  So, with that being said:
Happy Hanukkah everyone!

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