Christmas Times

Tonight, I had the pleasure of attending a celebration held at Gateway Alliance Church to celebrate the completion of the "40 Days of Purpose" program that we've been covering for the past 5 weeks. I can't really say "we've" covered it, because of the fact that I only made it to Day 13 before midterms started to pound my ass. But nonetheless, it's been a major focus of our church for the last month.

At this banquet, which required paid tickets to attend, there were just a huge range of festivities. I was actually quite surprised and amazed at how much the church family could put together in regards to activities and entertainment, but it was a great time. The dinner consisted of servings of turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, buns, stuffing, dessert, and punch. Pretty much all of the regular fix-ins of the typical Christmas party.

The entire evening didn't start off too well for the three of us (Tom, Helen, and I) when we arrived there about 10-15 minutes late just to find no open tables. That was the awkward think about the event, the fact that ticket numbers weren't prematched with tables. So we aimlessly went trudging around looking for a table to sit at.

On a side note, while we were searching for an open table, I bumped into this same elusive "Hot chick from Church" that I've been gabbing on about to some of my friends. It was actually quite a pleasant surprise for a number of reasons. First being that she looked even more beautiful than she normally does, as she was dressed up for the occasion. Second being the fact that she noticed I hadn't attended church this Sunday morning and asked where I was. And third being how Helen could even pick up the sense that she was hitting on me. So that was a major bonus, seeing as the other times I thought she was hitting on me, I thought I was taking it for more than it was. Anywho, this chick's name is Elizabeth, or is known as "Multimedia Chick" by Tom and Helen because she's in charge of the powerpoint and projection stuff that goes on during the services.

Anyway, so the search for a table finally draws to an end when we find just enough seats for us at one table. During the course of the evening we get the chance to meet another family from the church who we haven't seen before. The cool part about this one was that, the husband happened to be the drummer of the worship band that plays every Sunday! And man can this guy play the drums! After figuring out he's been playing for 32 years now, needless to say I was quite impressed.

Also present was a live band that played on stage for us. It was a trio, and it consisted of a pianist, a bass player, and a drummer. Oh man, I just forgot their actual band name, and I know it's gonna bug me for a long time. All I remember was that their band name was something like The Flex*something* Trio. Either case, they were EXTREMELY GOOD, and entertaining!!

For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of listening to a live band, I feel for you, I really do. I didn't think it would be such a huge deal, but when I got to just sit from and centre and listen to these guys play, it was just amazing. You just get carried away by the music and you have a genuinely fun time! They played such classics as Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland, and EVEN Charlie Brown Christmas! I never really liked Charlie Brown to begin with, and I completely hated the Christmas special more than anything. But to hear that theme played by a live band, it's a completely different story! I really wish I could have had some more friends with me there, because I know so many ppl that could appreciate such great music.

The entire event was a huge success, and made me have a greater appreciation for formal Christmas parties. Usually as a younger person, I used to think of Christmas parties as more of an unnecessary inconvenience than anything. I had more of a mind frame of "I could be doing better things with my time than pretending to be friends with everyone." But this party was definitely different. As an adult now, I guess I'm beginning to enjoy just socializing with people rather than artificial fun through Television or Video Games. The party just had a real sense of belonging and celebration to it rather than "Where's my gift?" commercializing. I really think this Christmas is going to be completely different from the past ones, and I'm really excited to see what can formulate with my new found interest in Christmas.

On another side note: I was asked to play a part in yet another Christmas production, except this time with the church. And as expected, I was asked to play the part of the evil character "Harol". I guess it really contrasts with the fact I played Jesus last week, but that's a completely different story. Anyway, I turned down the part do to the fact that firstly it's practices are during my finals and studying time. And secondly because it was mainly children in the play with a few adult roles.

And on an additional note I've decided to pursue this "Hot Mulitimedia Church Chick" more. Though it's gonna be tough to push my shy demeanor to actually come out and ask this chick out, hopefully I'll muster up the courage to do it. What's funny is that during the party, I was struggling to force myself to get a picture with her. And I ended up not doing it at all. Boy I've got a lot of work to do, but it's completely worth it because this chick is uberhot, friendly, christian, and into me (I hope). Wish me luck!