winners and losers

I'm languishing in the aftermath of yet another South Coast Plaza event. This time, the annual retailers holiday party.

I almost didn't go. I'm feeling sick. Sleeping is scratchy and waking is lazy. But, at 2:30 after spending WAY TOO LONG on my new polyvore application on facebook, I realised that I had to leave the house, one way or another, and donned a trustworthy ensemble. LBD vintage, hounds tooth b&w tights and my best thrift yet in So Cal. Claude Montana stack heeled short boots. Wrapped a grey belt around the upper half of my midsection and put my best foot forward. In this case, both feet were looking pretty amazing.

We went. Stan bought us each 2 raffle tickets. We didn't know that we should have each bought at LEAST 20.

There was food. There was wine. There were prizes to be won. I knew that something was wrong when I found myself wishing against the Louis Vuitton bag, and for the Black Starr and Frost earrings. No, I didn't win the deluxe spa package, or the Donna Karan bag. But a kind soul who won FOUR TIMES with all her tickets took pity on me and let me have the centerpiece that she had won. It was an ivy grown in the shape of a Christmas tree, and I gave it to Brian because he's wanted a little tree for the holidays.

We have a big huge real tree here at the house, and it's covered in lights and glass balls, which are strategically hung at a higher level to avoid too much temptation for the felines.

I will have one more chance to win big this season at the Quicksilver Holiday party. Brian told me that he's ready to win the trip to Europe, and I assured him that I will be on my knees praying every day until then.

*********************

The spirit of Christmas has been elusive this year. I see the lights, I hear the music, everyone is wearing red sweaters, but I don't feel any different. I've been trying to analyze my lack of enthusiasm, honestly asking myself what is the difference between this season and last. There is the obvious missing family and friends, but if I am honest I will remember that I am usually too busy this time of year to really spend time with anyone. And I will be spending a LOT of time with family and friends only four days after Christmas.

Well, I got my answer in the unlikeliest of places. Disneyland. I went to Disneyland this past Friday night. A friend of Stan's is the Stage Manager for one of the shows there, and he took us all around VIP style.

And as we were approaching the line for the Buzzz Lightyear ride, he said "Here's this Season's lighting of the Castle," and suddenly, it was snowing. The have rigged up snow makers on top of the buildings. Fake snow in Fake Disneyland. And I felt all warm and cozy inside.

Suddenly, I've got the Christmas spirit.