Since I tend to be in a different place every year, I'm always posed the same question, "How can you stand being alone for the holidays?" The answer to that question is usually three-fold:
"I don't really plan it that way"
"I'm never truly alone, ever" and finally,
"I'd rather be alone then be around insincere people"
So, ya, that all probably sounds a little jaded but, its all the truth. See I figure I've spent a fair bit of time around assclowns so, I feel like I'm a bit of an authority on the subject. However, I want to make clear that there are two types of people, those who prefer to be alone, and those who end up alone. Now of course the latter isn't by choice but, some people just rub other people the wrong way. So back to the point of this blog. Being alone for the holidays.
I've always found myself in places that were just little far from home. In high school for example, Christmases were usually short lived because we had to come back to the MILT for basketball conditioning so, over the years I developed this method of reinventing the concept of home and holidays. Now don't get me wrong, I am one of the most festive people you'll ever come across however, circumstances over the years have taught me the value of making the best of what we are given. Its also given me perspective. I've learned that a large percentage of people are really only concerned with what they have in front of them. Its like that study that says that you can only be friends with 100 people at a time. LOL. I know, I'm reaching but, truly, how many of us think about the less fortunate on a daily basis? *raising my hand* I do. Every time I see a homeless person near a restaurant, I have to pull into the drive through and grab them some lunch. I used to have this Thanksgiving tradition where I would go play tackle football (Turkey Bowl how I miss you so), then go out and grab some subs from Subway and feed the homeless. That went great until Orlando banned feeding of the homeless. Really you say? I shit you not. So I volunteer as much as I can because, I can. Ya see, somewhere in this vast universe there's a plan and in that plan (for now) I'm supposed to be available. To be honest, its very hard for people to step into someone others shoes, especially during the holidays. We all turn into single minded robots with agendas and deadlines and we rushhhhhhhhh around trying to make everything perfect. So much that we forget about each other. Now listen, it doesn't make us bad people, we just tend to focus on the most important facets of our lives during the holidays.
Cmon Ty, thats totally a cop out bro. Is it a cop out? Perhaps, but truthfully, I've never had enough consecutive days off in which I could actually take advantage of a trip back home....until now.
"So why aren't you home" you ask? Because after all these years of wanting to go home and wishing my schedule could've allowed me to go home...this year, I am MY home. Now before you get all goofy on me, i wanto to sayo that some of my holidays have been spectacular. '05 Xmas with my gfs family down in West Palm. Italians really know how to lay out a spread. '07 Thanksgiving with a girl I really liked after almost getting arrested for feeding the homeless in Orlando (she eventually became my gf and we had two wonderful holiday seasons together) '09 I had to work. I was managing a bar but still was it fun. I played guitar and my adopted Lex fam brought me scrumptious eats at work. So I had a pretty good odd year streak going there wouldn't ya say? So while my nomadic nature hasn't worked to my advantage, it has given me perspective for I never would be able to appreciate the people I've met along the way, and how they've affected my life were not for the holidays.
So this year, once again, I'll be thawing out the Cornish game hen, brewing up some homemade nog, and throwing together some squash casserole. You'll probably see me at a shelter dishing out some vittles, or perhaps sending a cryptic message or two your way this holiday. I might go for a hike, or hit the punching bag but... i wont be homesick because home is where I am. And while I might be missing you ( and you all know who you are) I wont be missing OUT on you... because the memories will sit down right beside me at the dinner table and I'll know you're there in spirit. And it wont be like this forever but FOR NOW... it's not all that bad. : )
Seasons Greetings
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