The End is Nigh
Categories: existential-angst, unmentionable, advent, christmas, mathematics-yes, really, church
Tags: snowmen
Date: 19 December 2008 14:12:05
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Who would have thought that somebody's been reaching Musings via a search for It's a Lovely Day for Snowmen . Not only that, my description of the Miffy contribution to the world of Haute Couture comes top of the googlesearch for same. I'm flattered. No, really. It's nothing. :D Just leave the flowers over there, please. Yes? What was that? A cheque will do nicely, thank you!
On a more Adventy Why Are We Waiting themes of judgement bit, The End is (almost) nigh, in a typical disorganised Miffyesque kind of way. Our well brought up turkey and organic veg are on order, not-so-little M has returned home from his educational establishment and his sister should be back from hers this weekend. Miffdog and I posted the last of the snail mail Christmas cards this morning. Presents? Come tomorrow morning I shall spread my current haul out on to the bed and play that time honoured traditional pre-Christmas game: See What You've Got And Try And Match It Up To The Intended Recipient. Then panic. And of course, there's the little matter of (Young Offspring Anti Seasonal Trauma Alert) gathering the wherewithal for the nocturnal visitation to one's abode by a certain hirsuite and rotund gentleman of indeterminate years and costume of tomato-like hue. Yes, the fact that the Miffy offspring are aged 18 and 22 respectively and that poor HRGIYCTLH often has to set his alarm to wake him up so that he can do the dirty deed in the wee smalls after they've staggered in from the pub or party is neither here nor there. (End of Young Offspring Seasonal anti trauma alert). No wonder we're hardly in fit state to Awake and Salute The Happy Morn after all that. (HRGIYCTLH's favourite tipple is a nice Crabbie's or Stone's ginger wine, by the way, in case anybody wants to know).
My timing on another, sadder ending has been equally Miffylike. Announcing that I'm leaving our local church in the week before Christmas isn't maybe demonstrating the best of timing, but then, I don't think there ever is an ideal time for this sort of thing. I've certainly discovered that there's a difference between a planned, semi-official exit when you say goodbye properly (Two families including ours left my previous place at the same time; both in part due to house moves) and well...just fading out. Though to be honest, I think I left emotionally and spiritually, months, if not several years ago. Is there an etiquette to Church Leaving? I don't know. As the place I'm likely to join is in a neighbouring parish (last time round I changed countries!) it's a weird feeling given the likelihood of bumping into folk from the old church.
It's hard. Very hard. However, I know it was the right move . My 'last' visit on Saturday night was to sing with the choir in a great concert - (I had to fight to stop myself coming over all unecessary during 'Ding, Dong Merrily on High!') which is a lovely way to remember the place. Then my fellow prayer triplees? Triplettes? (Sounds like a 50's singing troupe!) enjoyed a nice lunch out this week, and we shall keep on 'trippling,' so it's not all gloom. I guess the best attitude to adopt is that suggested by one of our 'Seabirds,' to think of the whole business as not leaving after ten years, but rather, moving on after growing through ten years.
Which reminds me. Talking of 'Ding Dong Merrily,' here's yet another Venn That (Christmas) Tune courtesy of Youthblog. You know, I could just get to like this mathematics lark. And that really is a miracle!