Christmas is, truly, the only thing that gets me through winter. The last few weeks have been wonderful and I couldn’t remember why I didn’t like winter so much. It was jacket-weather outside and it was cold, but bearable. And then two nights ago, the temperatures dropped and I’m sitting in my apartment trying not to curse everything because it’s so freaking cold.
I’m also really cheap so I didn’t want to turn the heat on, but I worked a double shift yesterday (15 hours shifts, wooot!) and my feet hurt and my teeth were chattering so I finally just turned it up. My apartment is pretty old, so it has an old thermostat where you just adjust the little lever, so I turned it up to about 65 and I could hear the heat kicking on. But all that was blowing out was lukewarm air. Is that normal? I craweld under my blankets, prayed that the furnace wouldn’t explode because it was making weird noises, and woke up in the morning feeling nice and toasty.
Warmth is one of the most beautiful things.
I can’t wait to go home and sit by the fire that my dad always makes downstairs. I can’t wait to go home and bake Christmas cookies and open the oven and watch the cookies cook. I can’t wait to lay on the ground with my dog and pull him close, dog hair flying in my mouth and his slobbery kisses. Three finals and four days (plus a couple hundred miles) are the only things in my way from going home. What a beautiful thought.
My family and I are going to see my grandma in Pennsylvania this year. A couple days after I get back we will drive up there for a long weekend. I haven’t seen her since my grandpap’s funeral a few years back, so it will be great to see her again. I’ve always loved their creaky house and the country. It’s so peaceful. It can be boring going up there, but it really is laid back. We’ll talk and play board games and do nothing, which I have never been so excited to do before.
Since the last time I blogged, my grandpa was diagnosed with colon cancer. You may remember my dad was diagnosed a year and some months ago, so it was kind of tiring to hear the news again. My grandpa is 90, so I’m more worried because of his age. He had surgery three weeks ago and has to wear a colostomy bag like my father’s for six weeks. He is staying with my parents until he gets it removed. It’s a bit of a blessing in disguise that my dad knows all about it, so he can help my grandpa with changing the bag and all of the issues that go along with it.
I talked on the phone with my mom last night and she said, “You know your father isn’t the most tender guy and grandpa and him haven’t always gotten along, but he has been great with him. It makes me love him in a whole different way.” :love: Tabor has also been keeping my grandpa company, more than he would probably like, haha. My mom said he likes to lay on his feet, which grandpa really likes because his feet are always cold.
My dad has, by the grace of God, fully recovered and is pretty much back to normal. (Though, my gosh, his farts smell twenty times worse, which I didn’t think was possible to begin with.) Nonetheless, I’m very happy to be almost done with this semester and to go home to two men who have incredibly, awful-smelling farts!
Also, only 17 days ’til Christmas. 
I have a big love-hate relationship with winter. On one hand, I actually love cold weather. Unfortunately, I like the kind of cold weather that’s accompanied with blue skies, crisp wind, and a fresh feeling. Most of winter, alas, is grey skies, overcast, and depressing. Christmas is really the best time of the year and helps me get through the end of the year. Thank goodness.
Best wishes to your grandfather for a safe recovery! I’ve had a close friend suffer from colon cancer as well, so I know how devastating that can be.
Wishes for your grandfather to have a speedy recovery! I’m also in the scare for someone that might have cancer again and I’m dealing with someone that does have cancer, but I do know that everything will be okay. I have these feelings that it will be and I feel that towards your grandfather.
Turning on the heat is magical, I must say and I’m serious about that too. My husband bought a mini heater from a garage sale this summer and we’ve been using it like crazy. Seriously, it is the best and saving my life when it gets so cold.
Yes, I can’t wait for Christmas either!
It is understandable why you’d be more worried for your grandfather than you did for you dad. The age factor is not something to be disregarded. However, having that emotional support from the family, the warmth, and your lovely dog provides a good cushion and could really ignite your grandfather’s recovery process. I wish him well.
I do hope that your Grandfather will make it okay and pass it just like your dad! If he eats healthy, stays away from junk – and walking, I’m sure he can get over this colon cancer stuff! Congratulations to your dad from recovering from it! What an awesome defeat! I bet you’re very proud of your dad for recovering from Colon Cancer?
If I don’t ever hear from you – I do hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! I just counted and it’s now 12 days left! Holy cow – how time flies!! I bet you’ll be so excited to go home, you won’t even know what hit you! I just pray that you guys will be safe and have a safe journey up to your Grandma’s place. I think it snows in Missouri if I’m not mistaken – or some parts of it at least. Please be safe! I bet your dog Tabor will be excited to see you! I had a chance to go live on campus at the Art Institute, but I didn’t take it due to my cat – and the situation I was in with my ‘step dad’ and ‘little sister’. However, I will be attending a junior college in the fall of 2014! I’m so excited.
I love heat! Heat is your best friend! Especially when you live in a two story house were it’s super cold through out the day! The Grandparents keeps it cold due to our dog sugar. Sometimes they do turn on the heater when it gets really cold. When I lived at my apartment, I think I turned the heater on a couple of times. When my boyfriend was visiting – I had it on a lot. I don’t think that’s normal, and I would put in an order and let your manager know what the heater is doing when you turn it on. Precautions are necessary.
Christmas is now 12 days away! Exciting! I totally feel your pain about the heat. And even if I was to turn up the heat in my apartment, the dramatic shift in temperature from when I step outside is sure to get me sick. Still, I definitely need heat. I’m so tiny and I don’t think my scrawny arms have enough body fat to keep me warm on these below-freezing nights.
I’m sorry to hear that your grandpa has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite how ugly cancer is, it always has a way of bringing people together. It’s beautiful and awe-inspiring to hear how your dad and your grandpa are kind of getting closer because of this experience. I’ll say prayers for your grandpa tonight.
And I’m glad to hear your father is doing better. (:
I can definitely agree with you when you say that Christmas is what gets you through the winter. Last year I had been in the Philippines for the holiday season so I didn’t even experience any winter whatsoever! Going through all the snow this year is honestly such a struggle for me now haha.
It’s also great to know your dad recovered! I’m sure your grandpa will do just the same!
I hope your grandfather has a safe recovery! Despite his age, I bet he is a very strong man and will be just fine.
I like when the weather gets cooler… but not this cold! I think all of the holidays and days off are why I like winter
That sounds nice to visit your grandma and spend time in the country! Work has made me appreciate just relaxing and doing nothing. A simple break is just needed sometimes, so that sounds like a great way to spend a long weekend.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa and the colon cancer
That’s great that your parents are caring for him and that your dad is able to help a lot. I’m also glad your dad has fully recovered! I hope things go well for your grandpa too!