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(L to R): Nephew Jacob, Mike (B), Me, Cathy (S), Eric (B in–law)
With the purchase of a ticket, Christmas 2008 started out like most Christmas' since moving to Berkeley in 2002. I initially bought a greyhound ticket to my mom's house in Coarse Gold, CA where Christmas was held this year, but ended up buying another Amtrak ticket to San Jose, CA after my older brother Mike called and offered me a ride to mom's house. Unfortunately, my greyhound ticket was non-refundable but I was happy to overlook this extra expenditure since now I didn't have to sit on an overcrowded bus for 4+ hours. Thanks Mike!
There were a couple of reasons why this Christmas was different from the past few years. First, most of the extended family (well at least the ones still living in California) were all under the same roof for Christmas dinner. It had been a few years since most of us were together for Christmas and it was a welcome change. Second, my brother John was with the family for the first time in 4 years. It was really good seeing him again, and and listening to all of his interesting stories and ideas. Yes, my mom's humble home was packed full, and yes I had to sleep on the couch, but these were small prices to pay for seeing most of my family and a good portion of in-laws for the first time in a year or more.
For this year's white elephant gift exchange, which has become a Ney family tradition, I contributed 3 movies: Stephen King's The Mist, Don't Mess With the Zohan, and There Will Be Blood. I was hoping to pick #11, the count of people playing this year, so I could pick or steal last and the world would be my oyster. Ironically, I ended up picking #1 and my world amounted to a lovely Chia Pet in a turtle-shaped growing pot. After a few more turns and nobody still wanting to steal my beloved Chia Pet, it looked as if I would be going home with a new plant. A respectable gift in its own right, but not quite what I was looking for. Fortunately, my older sister Cathy had a small moment of delusion and decided to steal my gift! This allowed me to either steal somebody else's gift or choose a new one from the unopened pile. I opted for the latter, and happily ended up with a new board game, Apples to Apples. Certainly a step up from a Chia Pet in my opion. I just hope Cathy doesn't expect me to return the favor next year.
With work approaching and other responsibilities looming over, it was time to start heading home. Lucky for me, my nephew Travis was able to give me a ride home back to Berkeley. However, this was no average ride since I was able to spend some quality time with not only Travis, but my nephew Steve and niece Kaitlin as well. We're far removed from the days when I would change their diapers while babysitting, and it was great hanging out as adults. I only wish there were more opportunities to see them and the rest of the family. One of these days when I'm finished with school, and have a family of my own I'll make that wish a reality.
I'll end with a Christmas wish for next year: More of the family, namely my sisters Bethann and Christine's families, can join the 2008 bunch. Oh yeah, and that it takes place at my sister Cathy's cabin in the snow. I want to throw some snow balls and go sledding!
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