I Still Suck At Holiday Parties

Sunday continued my 128 North weekend. Having taken 128 North from Norwell to Salem for my BFF's (Kerry) holiday party on Saturday, Karen and I took 128 North again for our annual family holiday party (only this time from Norwell to Lowell). I can't wait to take 128 North yet again for my commute to and from the office in Danvers too. That will be three trips up 128 North from Norwell in four days. Fun.

As usual there is a lot to like about Lowell (or so the city will have you believe). Like last year, Karen's aunt (Denise) was gracious enough to host Christmas for the family. Denise had scheduled the family party for this past Sunday because it just so happens that Karen's aunt and uncle (Sandy and Billy) from Georgia were up visiting this weekend. Too bad I still suck at holiday parties.

As far as family gatherings go, it was an interesting get-together. For me, the highlight of the party, of course, was the annual silly swap. Although I must say, the catered food was a close second. I'm not normally one for deli meat. The roast beef, however, was quite delicious. (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound.) I must have eaten about a pound of it.

I got to unload my old hardly-been-worn high school band jacket during the silly swap. That's right. I was in band... albeit very very very briefly. My instrument of choice: drums. My fondest memories of my band days (among not being able to paradiddle on the drums) was sadly marching in one of Quincy's parade. And by marching, I mean bumping into the backside of my friend (Kathy) with a huge bass drum. Apparently, I could not march either. Interestingly enough, I think it may even have been the Christmas parade that I marched in. So it's only fitting that my band jacket be swapped during the holidays.

Needless to say, it was nice to finally put that band jacket to good use. I actually never wore the jacket while I was in high school because I had my track jacket instead. It was not until recently that I even got a hold of the jacket, thanks to my mother who was cleaning out her attic. Naturally on a whim, I jokingly wore the jacket to my friends' (Cass and Ellen) not too long ago. And yes, the jacket is a lot smaller than I remember.

Karen's Aunt (Mary) ended up with the band jacket. Aunt Mary is actually the younger sister of Karen's Nana. As far as crazy family members go, I would say Aunt Mary is up there. Mary is likely to say something crazy... forget... and then say the same exact crazy thing again... forget... and then repeat the cycle again and again. This was even before she needed assisted living.

I imagine talking to Mary is a lot like talking to me. So I suppose it's only fitting that she receive a stylish high school band jacket. When she put on the jacket, which actually had my name on the sleeve, it was like we were back in high school and we were "going steady". Hubba Hubba... Mary.

Anyway, it was an interesting family get-together as usual.