Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Currently I am in St. Paul, Minnesota at my sister and her husband’s house. The weather has not been all that bad up here – don’t ya know.

While at my sister’s house, I discovered a book on her table called, ‘Christmas in Minnesota.’ I picked it up to see what it was all about and I noticed on the inside cover a note from my mom. The note said: Laura, how fun it will be to start your own Minnesota Christmas traditions with your family and friends. It had been awhile since I had seen my mom’s handwriting and it made me pause and think of the traditions we had growing up.

I remember going on long car rides to see family in Iowa, band concerts, looking at the lights in town, hanging of the greens at church, sledding, and eating chex mix with my sister while watching National Lampoons European Vacation. Laura can recite most of the movie.

I wonder what traditions we will start with this kid. Of course there will be travel involved, looking at lights in South Philly and hanging out with friends and family.

Oh no -- I almost forgot to mention my latest holiday tradition. For the past 3 years I have sent holiday cards to these famous people -- Dolly Parton, Governor Rendell, Charo, Bill Clinton, and this year I sent a card to Russ Feingold (he wrote me after I sent him a card about our quick encounter in the Madison airport.) I usually never hear back from any of them; maybe this year I will.

Accents

It will be interesting as to what sort of accent this kid may have. I say "idea" Melanie says "idear." Some people say drinking fountain, I say "bubbler". Did you park you carh? How about getting some wadder ice? How yous guys doing?

A test regarding accents has been floating around the hood. I thought that I would share the link:

http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have

Here is what it said about me:

You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."

Well, I am from Wisconsin and I did go to college in Chicago.