Cup Half Full

This morning I walked into Starbucks as I do every morning with excitement for my spirited red Christmas decorated coffee cup. The cup has ornaments and sayings of hope and spirit that somehow make me smile while thanking the barista behind the bar who has an extra twinkle in his eye with his candy-cane red apron on. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, I know that Christmas is just around the corner when I eye the stacks of red behind the counter. I want to break out into "Jingle Bells" right then and there. This morning though I was a bit dissapointed as I stepped up to order my Americano and there sat the somewhat perturbed barista with just a plain white cup in hand, trying to manage the 25 people behind me who waited impatiently. I sighed and tried to smile while reaching for my drink. He looked up and must have saw something sad in my eyes because his face lit up in a grin. "They'll be back next year," he said. "Don't worry. Have a wonderful day until then." He was right. Red cups are merely a state of mind and I will get just as excited next year when they come back. For now, the white is minimally chic and just as joyful.

Bag check

In anticipation of my flight this week, I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the news regarding the latest attempted terror attack. I am fearing that while I used to have to take off just my shoes, I am now going to be asked to remove everything but my underwear. Not a bad idea - maybe that would scare the terrorists enough seeing everyone in their undies.

Travel is supposed to have entered a new age with faster planes and quicker check-in kiosks. I would bet however, that our grandparents did not have to get to the airport four hours in advance, be patted down from head to toe as though applying soap in the shower, wait another three hours because of delays and finally reach their destination which was supposedly only two hours away in a record 12 hours.

I understand that security comes with a price (and level of patience) and I am in full cooperation of doing anything that will make us safer. I am a bit confused though as to how sitting for the last hour of a flight without blankets or pillows, personal belongings of any sort, while crossing my legs for the bathroom is an effective way to ensure a safe landing. Perhaps we should actually look at the 500,000 people on the list before letting them get onto a plane and make serious note when a family member alerts the U.S. Embassy of a disturbed son who has been hiding in Yemen. Needless to say, I am happy that those passengers are safe and had the assertiveness to act quickly.

On that note, I am planning on wearing my pajams to the airport with my wallet on a string around my neck without a sole piece of luggage or carry on. Lets hope I can hold it for that last hour.

Additions to Tradition

The first real snow storm of the season fell over the weekend, blanketing both country and city in a fuzzy white - the effect adding to the feeling of Christmas with people dodging snow banks as they managed armfuls of packages. This weekend was meant to be an early family Christmas with everyone coming in from out of town to share in the traditions of our childhood before they left to go with their significant others and their families for Christmas. Due to the snow however, the festivities were shortened to a couple of hours late Friday night. The short hours together sitting in front of our magnificent tree by the fire captured the true essence of Christmas. While much to short, we laughed and cried in true Lynch style just enough to sustain my spirit before the goodbyes. As a bear tied to the sentiments of tradition, new additions can be emotional. I am reminded though of how lucky I am to have new people in my life who add to the definition of family and make my siblings shine in their true light. I relish the times that we share as a family whether it be for an hour or 72 hours. Christmas, early or late, would just not be the same without them.

For now, I send Christmas wishes to them near and far. And to you dear reader - may your days be merry and bright surrounded with people who make you shine.

Begin or end?

Some days begin the way they end. Some end better than they begin. And some end wishing for a new start in the morning. Days like this are ones where I am thankful for those on the other end of the phone who listen to my words and suggest a long bubble bath. While complaining is easy and confidence can wane, days like these are important because they keep me grounded. I am reminded of those things that I can improve on. I test my sense of self and capabilities, sometimes questioning both. The good news is...there is always tomorrow.

Oh Christmas Tree!

It's officially Christmas in New York City. The wreaths are hung high, the lights are a twinkle and the carols are greeting shoppers as they enter the warmth of stores. Everyone seems to be just a little more jolly this time of year, smiling as they stroll along the sidewalks bundled in their scarves and admiring the fantasy of store windows hand in hand. This is my favorite time of year. As a sentimental person to the core, the spirit of Christmas engulfs my heart and I find myself humming throughout the day. It is a time when what matters most translates into gatherings with family and friends, smells of holly and gingerbread, and acts of kindness that keep on giving. Tonight, the official kickoff to Christmas starts for me with the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree. The Rockettes, Al Roker and a plethera of "Jingle Bells" and "What Child Is This" make goosebumps crawl and tears of blessings fill my heart. So to all of you out there who need a bit of Christmas to get you in the mood, this Bear recommends watching.

Until next time, I send blessings and love...