Monday, December 19, 2005

The Rookie Blogger

This is my inaugural blog... the pressure to make it a masterpiece.

It is after midnight on Christmas day. I am sitting next to the fireplace with a fire burning out at my parent's abode, not a creature was stirring not even a mom or dad (or Santa)in the house...okay, you must count the two dogs and two cats. Surprisingly very content as I hold down the fort as I house/ critter-sit. My parents are out visiting my sis and her hubby in the Carribeans, where they work for the US State Department. I am alone here with the TV on, but I am remarkably upbeat. Normally, I expected to be a bit bummed out, especially since this is the first Christmas not celebrated with my immediate family. My parents asked if I wanted to go with them, but I chose not to because I already made my fun tour down there during the Thanksgiving holidays.

But my Christmas will not be without social affairs as I will be going to a Christmas dinner with my sister's inlaws. I am apprehensive about it, because I am not always the most social guy. I am sometimes at loss of words or have difficulty following conversations. My hearing does not cater to social functions, even with the new hi-tech hearing-aids. That is how it has been all my life... and most likely the rest of my life.

On Christmas eve, I did my normal last minute shopping after vegging out around my parent's house and recovering from a vicious attack from my dog's tongues. The dogs both get jealous and as one gets excited the other wants part of the action... so I am not only all covered in white dog hair, but I am also covered by dog slobber. My "precious one", my cat, just sits there and is baffled by everything... but he is very loyal and follows me wherever I may go. I got several of my gifts but not everything, I have the luxury to buy gifts for my folks after Christmas for they do not return until midweek. Even though the stores were busy, the lines were not bad at all. It was a productive trip with the exception my "fear of rejection" got in the way... again.
When I went to Target and as I begun my hunt for the elusive perfect gift, I came across an attractive girl who I was intrigued by... she even got in line behind me. My dilemma, what do I say to her? I am a hopeless romantic. The line was quick and no words were exchanged, but glances met. I paid for my gifts and proceeded out... then I noticed my cart did not have one of my bags, so I went back. She was still there and all I could say was along the lines of: "I cannot forget about the presents." She smiles and laughs, but that was the end of it... I had my chance, but I never followed thru. There is a phrase a friend of mine shares, "Either a Chicken or a Hawk." I was a Chicken that time for sure. But what can I say? That's Gooberman for you.
Now that I have finally posted my first entry, I can breathe a sigh of relieve. It is done.