The Cellar - Screw you guys! I'm going home...

After Christmas, I began to do some thinking (I know...stop the presses!)...

I haven't been home for Xmas since 1998.

Now granted, Xmas isn't like it used to be. Back in the day, the majority of my mom's family would go to my grandma and aunt's house. We'd collect our presents, eat like there was no tomorrow and a good time was generally had by all.

Then my grandma died in June 1997...and the family fell apart. Though based on this past Xmas, a revival of the olden days could be in the making. The death of my cousin from cancer in July began a thaw in relations among the family members.

Lessee, Christmas 1998...Mimi came down from Chicago, my mom made dinner, some of the family came over and it was all good. Then my mom and I got into an argument later in the evening over something incredibly stupid. I think I can point to that moment as the first sign to me that it was time to move out of my parents' house.

But my last two visits home have been nothing but good...my parents and I have gotten along famously. (We only seem to get into fights when they come out here. And they'll be back here in June...shit!) Plus, Rho has only been to St. Louis once--I flew her out there the weekend before I moved out here. And of course, I miss St. Louis...I don't think I'd want to live there again, but I still love going there. It's part of who I am.

But the Xmas trip will be the second trip I make out there this year...

My 10-year high school reunion is coming up sometime this year. After some initial waffling, I have decided to attend...why not? I have not seen a date yet though...I'm suspecting sometime over the summer. (It would be funny if it happens at the same time as my parents' trip out here.) It'll be interesting to say the least.

Man...so many things coming up this year: parents are coming in June, 10-year reunion, moving in September, Xmas in St. Louis...all of it will be here before I know it, so I better get cracking.