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On friends and family...
Last weekend, I went to a family reunion on my dad's side of the family. Of course, there were the usual arguments in his immediate family (opinions differ if I actually belong to said family). And while my relatives were perfectly nice to me, I suspect that most of them have a lot more in common with Archie Bunker than with me. It left me feeling a bit alienated.
But last night, I had dinner with the Grotties (and I suspect only one other person reading this knows that term and what it means). Now, that was fun. Pleasant discussions about books, TV, history, art, literature. There was a fine meal with hummus and pita bread, a delicious homemade mostly medieval green soup, some "adventures in cheese" and a delightful vegetarian Christmas pudding with Devon cream. Afterward, we caroled. Well, J., M. and Rusty caroled. I think my tuneless muttering was kept low enough as not to disrupt the singers with talent. But still sounds did come from my mouth for those who listened carefully. There were some interesting songs chosen, including some filk music created by J.
The nice thing about friends over family is that you don't have friends merely by some genetic accident. (Well, maybe you do in the sense of free will being just a trick of neurological and biochemistry -- but let's not go there.) The Grotties are a great group, partly because most of us just aren't group people. There's something about group dynamics that I don't quite get and don't quite like. Yet, these particular friends are an obvious exception to that.
The remaining holidays will have to be pretty super to live up to the high quality of last night's festivities.
But last night, I had dinner with the Grotties (and I suspect only one other person reading this knows that term and what it means). Now, that was fun. Pleasant discussions about books, TV, history, art, literature. There was a fine meal with hummus and pita bread, a delicious homemade mostly medieval green soup, some "adventures in cheese" and a delightful vegetarian Christmas pudding with Devon cream. Afterward, we caroled. Well, J., M. and Rusty caroled. I think my tuneless muttering was kept low enough as not to disrupt the singers with talent. But still sounds did come from my mouth for those who listened carefully. There were some interesting songs chosen, including some filk music created by J.
The nice thing about friends over family is that you don't have friends merely by some genetic accident. (Well, maybe you do in the sense of free will being just a trick of neurological and biochemistry -- but let's not go there.) The Grotties are a great group, partly because most of us just aren't group people. There's something about group dynamics that I don't quite get and don't quite like. Yet, these particular friends are an obvious exception to that.
The remaining holidays will have to be pretty super to live up to the high quality of last night's festivities.
no subject
I thought it was so nice that we could each contribute a little something to the festivities. It was a very fine meal with some interesting and engaging discussions. I was intimidated about singing at first considering how talented J and M are, but I had a great time once I got over my fear of singing with them. I actually love singing, though I usually do it by myself -- in the privacy of my apartment. Still, I miss singing in a choir sometimes, so it was a cool experience.
It's funny but I was also wondering if my other festive activities would be able to match our Grottie evening. I remember a feeling of contentment coming over me at one point as we were seated around the table and thinking that this is what the holidays should be about. :-)
no subject
I had exactly the same feeling in exactly the same place. It would freaky if we thought it at the same moment.