Monday, December 20, 2004

Fa La La La La and So On and So Forth

Happy Holidays!
It's been longer than I hoped it'd be between posts here, ah well. Sorry about that.
Anyway, I've been a pretty busy guy!

For starters, a couple weeks ago I made a spur of the moment decision and got my hair cut. I checked and it was ten inches long, so I decided it was time to donate it to Locks of Love. I had no hesitation, but when I heard the first snip of the scissors there was a moment of uncertainty that it was a wise move, by that time it was too late so it was really pointless to worry. My worries were eased when something unexpected and pleasant caught my attention. Over the speaker system at the hair place I suddenly heard a familiar melody being played on a violin. Could it be? I was hearing The Corrs in public? It was true! A rare occurance indeed, but what made it even more rare was that it wasn't "Breathless," it was "Runaway"! I just grinned and considered it to be a sign that I was doing the right thing.

Aside from that, I've been trying to get myself into the holiday spirit. I hate to admit it, but I seem to have a slight lack of seasonal cheer this year, which is really strange considering it's my favorite time of year. We've got the snow, we've got the tree, I'm mostly done shopping, but I'm just not feeling it like I normally do.
The other night, Mom and I went shopping so I could pick up a gift I hadn't gotten yet, I was hoping it might help get me into the spirit a bit more...boy was I wrong. I always hear people telling these holiday shopping horror stories, but somehow whenever I've gone in my 22 years, it's always been enjoyable, that's now changed.
First off, as we got up to WalMart and got out of the van, Mom realized she had left her purse at home. After a minute or so of debating while out in the chilly winter weather, we decided to forget the purse and just make it a quick trip. As I was passing through the automatic doors, a woman pulled her cart to the side and waited for me to pass. I was half way through the door when I heard her scream "Well, COME ON!" I gave Mom a look of confusion as if to say "Did she just scream at me?" I then realized she was screaming to her kid who was playing by the candy machines. Jolly.
Inside the store everyone just seemed tense and some seemed angry. I passed a baby in a shopping cart who leaned out toward me and said something along the lines of "Goondanununumungadikdik." I'm assuming it was either some kind of voodoo curse on me or a holiday greeting in Ewokese.
I got what I came for and tried to browse a few more areas, but the people crowding in the aisles and the noise of the place had me at my limit, so we agreed to get out of there. As we got back out to the parking lot there was a lady who parked totally wrong in a parking space, Mom told her the spaces go the other way, she said it in a very friendly and helpful way. The lady replied in a snotty and agressive manner "Y'know what? I don't care." and then stormed off with her kid. Ho ho ho.

I was tired, grouchy, and hungry, so we went to Anthony's, a nice little family restaurant near my house. Still frustrated from WalMart, we went in Anthony's and it felt like stepping into a holiday movie. They saw us coming and had a table ready for us right by their big Christmas tree before we even made it through the door. Over the speakers they had holiday music playing softly, the lights were dim, it was very nice and calming. As I ate my chicken paprikash, the hostess and another employee started to sing along when "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" came on and I couldn't help but smile. The atmosphere was perfect and the adorable hostess was constantly making me smile. It was exactly what I needed, a dose of holiday joy. I'm definitely feeling a bit more since going there, I think I might head back in a couple days for another dose and a few more smiles.

I wish more people could see that's what it's all about. It's about music and singing, laughing and smiling with friends and family, creating some cheer and sharing it with everyone you can. It's not about finding whatever the hot gift is that particular year. Sure, gifts are nice, but have you ever noticed that the best gifts are the small personal ones from someone you care about? When you break it down, it's all about love. It's not hard to see, but a lot of folks seem to forget it. Try not to forget, spread some love.

Have a safe and happy holiday season, everyone.

-Jacob

Friday, November 26, 2004

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Well, it's been quite a day in Jacobland. I woke up just before noon and watched the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I basically turned it on just in time to see Santa's appearance, which seemed a bit awkward to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Santa fan, Christmas is my favorite time of year, but the big guy didn't look well. He's always been a jolly old soul, but today he was extra jolly, I couldn't tell if he was HO-HO-HO-ing or if he was having a seizure. He was convulsing as though Rudolph rebelled and rammed an antler in an uncomfortable place. Santa, take it easy, you've got a busy few weeks coming up. Drink some tea or something, dude.
Anyway, if you're interested, I'd like to share a bit of my day with you all. My family and I headed over to Grandma's house around 2:00 to help her get everything ready. Everyone else started showing up around 3:00, the holiday fun begins. It was then that I met my new cousin, Faith, for the very first time. I know people say this about all babies, well, most, but she's just the most adorable little thing. She's got the biggest eyes and the cutest wild head of hair. Except for when she first got there, she didn't even cry, and even that was short lived, as if she was just briefly taken aback by all these new faces. It was so cool watching her eyes as they explored the room and studied everyone's faces, all of this information for her to take in. I couldn't help but smile as she looked at me with such a curious gaze, most likely wondering who I was.
Everyone gathered at the tables, 17 people in all digging into the holiday feast. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, a bit of applesauce, pudding, pumpkin pie...I'm still full.
I told my aunts, uncles, and cousins of my recent adventures in Toronto and Niagara Falls, they all seemed to enjoy it. My cousin, Jacqui, told of her internship where she'll be spending a semester working at Disney World. It's just so crazy hearing these stories, watching my cousins and realizing how much everyone's growing up.
As the day wound down, group by group the relatives left to go home or visit other family. As Uncle Joe and family left, my Aunt Mary brought little Faith over to me to say bye. As Faith looked at me this time, she gave me the cutest little smile, as though she had studied me enough and approved, she then cooed the cutest coo as I nuzzled her.
Mom and I headed home from Grandma's shortly after midnight, time just disappeared. It was a great day.
So, you may be curious, what am I thankful for? I'm thankful for family and friends, old and new, those who have just arrived and those who have passed on. I'm thankful for all the incredible things I've seen and experienced this past year. I'm thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves to me that will hopefully grow into even more wonderful experiences over the next year or so.
Until next time, cheers. :)

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Baby Steps

Well the site's getting there, eh?
The art section's up, Ask Me will post it's first entry soon, my first review will be up any time now, and thanks to Maria and her PayPal the guestbook is active! Thanks to everyone who's signed so far! I'll do my best to keep you all wanting to come back.
Aside from working on the site contents, there's not a whole lot going on in JacobLand. I've got a few projects on the back burner that need to be tended to and hopefully when they come out of the metaphorical oven they'll be just right and you guys'll be seeing my name on the big screen. Man, the whole cooking metaphor has me hungry. Stupid metaphors.
Well, I best get back to work so I have fun stories to tell you guys. Until next time, keep your noses clean.

-Jacob

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Up and Running

Finally!
For my birthday this year my best bud, Corey, went for a unique gift and got me a domain name. Now, about 2 months later, jacobdrake.com is up and running! ...for the most part.
It'll be fully functional soon enough. Be patient with me, I'm a busy man!
Anyway, this blog is the first link on my site to be working. It's not much, but it's a step in the right direction I suppose.
So let me take a second here to thank a couple people.

Corey- Thanks for the url! I'll do my best to put it to good use.

Jenny- Thank you a thousand times for all your hard work in helping me get the site going. WebGoddess indeed.

You- Thanks for bothering to stop by and give this stuff a look. I hope I can be entertaining, insightful, fun, etc. for all of you guys to increase your web-browsing pleasure.


-Jacob