The annual Christmas trip back home to visit my family, including nieces and nephews, went as predicted: lots of laughs, stories, trivial bickering, far too much food and far too little exercise. Within seven days, I only managed to gain six pounds and do a half set of bikram yoga twice and something that one of my little nieces called a “cheerleader’s workout,” which consisted of many backbends in a row and different stretches to improve doing the splits.
What I lacked in physical exercise, I made up for in creative productivity. I read a lot of poetry by one of my friends. I earmarked the poems which I felt would work in the upcoming “New Dreams & Visions” roulette on January 13th. Then, over the course of several days, I finally completed the “100 African Americans Everyone Should Know” powerpoint that I’d promised to make for the upcoming African American history event at school. Logically, I should have done this over the summer, but I was so engrossed in putting together The Austin Writers Roulette that I kidded myself that I would work on it in my spare time at school since I was only teaching one prep. Ha!
Since this was my third Christmas since living in Austin, I was determined to continue my tradition of giving Texas-themed gifts. Some received jewelry in the shape of the Lone Star state. Others received iconic symbols, but everyone received a gift that was made by a local Austin artist.
Two wonderful gifts came in the form of visits by friends of the family. My nieces and nephew’s godmother came on Christmas day, bearing gifts and sharing dinner with us. Another fabulous visit came the day before I hopped on another plane to return to Austin. One of my Peace Corps friends came over, bringing her three beautiful and adorable children and one of their friends, who’s referred to as a “cousin.” Toward the end of their visit, the youngest child, a precocious five and a half year old started running through the house, singing at the top of her lungs, “I’m rich! I’m awesome! I got money! Gonna take a shower with my money!” after getting a winfall during a game of Life.
I’m certain when I was that age, I didn’t know the word “awesome,” but I recognize the energy and showmanship of the youngest child, especially the third of three. So, from one youngest child to another, I’m going to shout my joy and blessings all the way into 2013!