11:30p

(written yesterday, Sunday, before I lost internet connection)

it's often difficult to capture a great moment in words.

tonight, after spending the day cleaning up,
my boyfriend and I hung out in the orange room
and recapped on last night's events and did our
usual "plus/delta".
we just laughed and laughed and laughed....
happy about all the little things that evolved from the night's festivities.

as usual the White Elephant game was nothing but craziness.
it's like a dizzying kind of fun that always leaves me a with hoarse voice
and sore cheeks (the ones on my face, of course).

I think the ultimate highlight of the evening was at around midnight or so.
there were a few folks left and
somehow, the craziness evolved to a new level.
picture it:

4 women,
lying on their backs in a circle,
passing around a giant, yellow, inflatable exercise ball...
with their legs!

OH...MY...GOD! it was pure, hysterical, crazy, nonstop comedy!!!!

It was one of those moments where you couldn't stop laughing even if you wanted to.
And afterwards, your cheeks and stomach hurt like hell!
*shakes head*
(sigh)
you just had to be there.

Anyhoo, I love being a host along with my boyfriend.
It is the best...even with all the dishes to wash and details to take care of.
It's the best.
It's like having a wedding every year with the opportunity to continue improving it.
We're already talking about ideas/plans for next year's party!

It's also great how we are able to carry on the tradition of having x-mas celebrations
in this house.
When I was growing up, my parents would put one together with our extended family.
There would be loads of us kids running around...in our x-mas best outfits.
It was a great time.
When I was even younger, this house was often the kid's play hub of the cul de sac.
My mom would bake us cookies and we'd hang out and play or skate in the backyard.
My friend (who lived at the end of the block) would come over often for sleepovers, too.
I feel really lucky to have/live in this home.

Another cool part of the x-mas party is the day after.
We usually have a few people stay over and we'll have a pilipino breakfast the next day.
It gives us a chance to recap the evenings events and continue the laughter.

will continue later....