Merry Christmas!

Ho Ho Ho!

Its something being one kilometer from the equator on Christmas. Not only do you long for a white christmas but you miss all the thing associated with the cold. Things like: Closed shoes, sweaters and hoodies, hot chocolate, fireplaces, snowboarding, warm baths, the crunch of snow under your shoes, eggnog, a warm bed and hot-tubs.

This year is going to be the first year im away from family. In my 25 years ive always been able to spend at least 2 or 3 solid days with friends, family, and well ....Brianne. This year I have none of those things. Am I complaining? No.

I think Christmas, for me, is about enjoying others. I think maybe God knew that people would come together and celebrate with friends and family. Its the one time of year when differences and arguements seem to mute for just a moment. Like wind on a cut the pain of life goes away for a moment.

Christmas for me bring back memories of childhood. When my father used to turn into the evil 'TICKLE MONSTER!" ahhh! How about when I got so sick one year I had to miss out of a vacation and stay home watching movies like The Hulk. Or how about the three years in a row where the family packed up camp and went to West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in the world, to ride the coasters or watch the dolphins. Trading rooms with my sister so that we could wake up in a strange place then exclaim, "Fun!".

Christmas is also time for pets. I always remember having a pet beside me during Christmas. When it was Joe (Border Collie) opening a large rubber tug-ring, or Jazz (Terrier-Poodle) sniffing out the random smells. Malaya (African Grey parrot) finding it much more fun to pick at the wrapping paper than the seed inside. Even my bearded dragon looking in intently.

This year I intend to think about how blessed ive been with my Christmas's. Ive been fortunate enough to always have good years, scratch that, great years. The food, family, pets, weather and four christmas's with Brianne have been amazing. I will never forget that.

This year I am in Bali, Indonesia. I started my Christmas morning early. I awoke with my usual Christmas glee and walked down to the beach just making the sunset. At 5:30a.m. you can usually find a quiet spot to sit and reflect. My reflecting includes my ipod and a camera.

Today I am treating myself to a facial and a full body scrub. After the scrub I head down to the 35 meter Bungi platform at the end of the beach. For $75 dollars I can enjoy jumps all day with pictures and movies included. Lets try for 10 jumps?

Tonight after the sunset I fully intend on finding the local Starbucks, ordering a hot chocolate, sitting under the a/c, then close my eyes and remember Christmas's past.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hopefully I am home for Christmas next year.

With Love,

Daniel.