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Nearly continued yesterday's Oops feature, inadvertently. Woke up at 5:23. As it was so close to the 5:40 alarm, I got up. Then tried to "cancel" the alarm. Wait. My cellphone isn't showing ANY alarm to cancel. So I guess it's a Very. Good. Thing. that I opened my eyes when I did. Uh-oh. Baby, it's cold outside. Still, I decided against wearing my turtleneck sweater as a layer, preferring to rely on the wool/cashmere of my winter coat.

Was so relieved that my driver pulled up just before I left the house (I could hear the beeping of his bus), so I didn't have to sit outside. Got to the church at 9:15 with way too much time on my hands. But it was nice just to have friends around me. It was also so hot in the Social Hall, I sat near an open window.

Church-John was stunned to hear that Dar had died. That man really has to start reading his FB. Anyway, he and I seem to be set to visit the Museum on Wednesday. I am so looking forward to it. Though I was on duty, much of the service was a blur. What was crystal clear though was the respectful manner in which Dar's death was treated. The "Worship 1" assistant's chair was left empty except for roses on it and her sash laid across the back. Her white robe was draped over the centre back of the first pew surrounded by as many clergy and deacons who could be present. They all consecrated Communion - in her honour - and it was so touching.

After the service, I was lucky that my cab driver was already there - and trying to find me in the Social Hall. He was relieved to get a "Yes" to his question. I am definitely who I (think I) am. Because he was early and the streets nearby were empty of traffic (everyone else catching the Santa Claus Parade), I was home in just a few minutes. Definitely of the good so that I could write my review. After I posted it, I received thanks from two of Dar's children.

Finally had a chance to eat real food (other than the hash browns from c-J). I reached for soup and found, to my chagrin, that I wasn't keen on any of the remaining flavours. I reluctantly heated up turkey-rice soup, but elevated the experience by finishing off the bottle of sparkling wine (just a titch more than a single flute). And ended up feeling very sleepy. I set the TV to record the Parade (hoping they'd show the Peppa Pig float!) and then dozed off, waking up just before 6:00. I tried to watch the news with no luck as I dozed off again. I'm finally up and going to eat some shortbread cookies. Nom. Also intend to stay up late, as I have no plans for tomorrow, other than adjusting the LED lights on the dining table. A very little plan for a tired blonde.

A few things I never thought I'd hear myself saying.

Posting them here so I can remind myself.

Mentioned to church-John this morning that I'm seriously considering the following:
1- NOT attending the Christmas Eve service as it's lost some of its lustre over the years. Even (or especially) when I was with M, we'd only attended one year (2002?) - and it had been a while since I'd attended before then, especially when I could no longer volunteer as a combined Communion server and Usher but was still busy coordinating the Christmas Day dinner at church. I wasn't too thrilled last year to be seated way too far back (for me) in the Orchestra section, without a large-print program which meant I couldn't even follow the carol lyrics, and my seatmate was a floor Captain so she was away from her seat for most of the service. Certainly didn't promote the warm fuzzies inside, though I did feel appreciated as the Registrar of all volunteers. However it had been a lovely gesture for c-J to drive down from his home just to be able to get me home safely.

2- NOT attending the Christmas Day dinner at church. Now this is a big deal. I'd continued attending (actually being in charge) since 1991, whether or not I was in a relationship. Everything ended when I was heartbroken to experience a theft in the church somewhere during the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (I believe it was in 2001). The thieves made off with my special red lace tablecloths, boxes of fancy Christmas crackers, and some other things, leaving me to scramble to try to decorate the tables with odds and ends. For the past several years, the day (along with Thanksgiving Day in October) has been one of the set celebrations for me and my chosen sisters Jan and RS, so I'm sure they'll be disappointed to hear that I'm not attending. But, then, c-J said I might probably be much happier to stay at home, all comfy and cozy in front of the fireplace without having to rush about, relying on my rides provider to get me there and hoping a kind soul might get me home safely. Huh. I just noticed I'd used "get me home safely" twice. No, no anxiety there, right?

Oh, my. I think I just did a whole bunch of growing up with these two decisions. I may as well continue the absentee option by not attending the regular morning service on Christmas Day. I know, I know. Too. Much. Church. By staying home, I can still watch the webcast and write my review, so I will have continued to participate and support it in my own unique way. Anyway, it feels funny to have arrived at these decisions exactly 5 weeks before Christmas Day. Then, again, I always did like tidy patterns.