Queen's Christmas Message

In the manner of the Queen, I am broadcasting my yearly Christmas message . I have been given special dispensation by the editor of yahyoubetcha.net (after months of begging) to bring this message to you.

We have had an eventful year. The house exhange trip to Wales was definitely the highlight. It was accomplished via frequent flyer miles and lodgings savings. Since the dollar measures 50% of the British pound, we cringed at gas for $10 a gallon, gas station sandwiches, which we got absolutely sick of, at $5 each, etc. But it was so worth it. We saw the Queen's wedding gown and saw her shoes-her feet looked a little big to me.
Real names of towns in Great Britain: Sickling Hall, Wormsley, Dingwall, Horkstow, Flushdike, Sheepridge Fartown, Bedburn, Urpish, etc. We didn't get to see the peak at Bishop's Barf, however, but did eat at the Fish Hotel.
We'll never forget Brittney being locked in our rental car in the Sainsbury's parking lot with the car alarm going off. She had no way to turn it off.
The girls enjoyed the trip, but often grew tired of castles and ruins, preferring the wonders of British Big Brother and Britain's Top Model, as well as the limited internet availability in hotels and bed and breakfasts. Everyone's priorities were slightly different on the trip, which caused some hurt feelings at times. I've mentioned the girls' focus, Scott was focused on castles and museums, I wanted tea room experiences and celtic jewelry. I was thrilled as a store cashier called me "luv." I decided Marks and Spencer is just Sears with a deli. We also saw the creepy Diana and Dody statue in Harrod's. They were jointly "helping" a seagull to fly from their joined hands and the inscription says, "Innocent Victims." Cringe-worthy.

The trip was a “last hurrah” of a family vacation with the girls. They are launching themselves into the universe and we don’t see a whole lot of them anymore. They are finishing their general ed credits at our local junior college Elissa hopes to work in digital arts and will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree at a school in Emeryville (right down the street from Pixar studios) beginning in late summer '08. She toured Pixar-the security and confidentiality rules were reminiscent of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She is a server at Outback and loves the tips and friends she has there.

Brittney wants to study business at Sacramento State and wants to transfer there a year from now. Her special friend of three years, Nick, will transfer there as well. Brittney works at Starbucks and I love the free pound of coffee a week. She recently enjoyed her second mountain tent camping experience with Nick and other friends in below freezing temps. We aren't sure why.

Since I am done with school, settled in my job at work, and since they are so busy and independent, I have even admitted I am bored now. I have been painting and making hand made cards (selling some of them), reading, playing piano again. I am obsessed with the American version of The Office as well as the BBC version. I have actually been volunteering to do the girls laundry, which hasn’t happened since 1999. I have also taken over the cat’s diet-he is morbidly obese at 18 pounds, but he lost 2 pounds, so that is progress. Brittney put an award certificate over his bowl.

My job is in Adult Protective Services, which is an investigative position. I pattern myself after Columbo and it is interesting work. I get to evaluate people with dementia who walk in the street naked and visit hoarders if it is my lucky day. The job description should state that preferred skills include hardcore nosiness and skill at giving generally unwanted advice. I love my funny, talented co-workers. We also have a lot of pot lucks, which is key in this field.

Scott continues to struggle with his back and is considering surgery at this point. I don’t know what he’ll be like at 65 if he is this bad now. He continues to injure himself in strange and remarkable ways (see “Bonk on the Head”). I want to grow old with him, and have decided to put him in a secluded, padded room for his own safety at some point soon. He continues to enjoy all of his K-4th congregation.

He had a trying autumn as a pastor with two sudden deaths (ages 7 and 46) and leading the funeral services. Both incidents were heartbreaking as he knew both families well. I have never cried so much at memorial services. He did a fantastic job at both, and particularly focused on all of the kids in attendance from up front.

My mom has both short and long term memory loss, so conversations with her are very interesting. She is doing ok, but needs a wheelchair for events outside of the building. She was in skilled nursing last winter when she fell and broke her arm. She had her 70th birthday in the fall and Scott and I were able to fly out for the big event. We spent time with Tim and Jenn, Susie and their kids, which is always a highlight of the year. My dad's brother Merlin and my auntie Janet were able to fly in as well.

I am teaching 2-3 year old Sunday School, which is a crack-up. A new funny saying or incident occurs almost weekly. For instance, there is a “pecking order” about being potty trained. The ones who can do it proudly tell the younger, diapered children of their accomplishments and the younger ones feel belittled: “I am a big girl. You are a baby.” They follow each other into the ducky bathroom and watch their friends sit on the little toilet before we discover what group training activity has been going on in there without our supervision.

Typical circle time in class: “Kids, Jesus was born in a barn with sheep…” Sara: “Teacher-Danny pooped!!!!” (child points excitedly to an oblivious 2 year old classmate. All children look at Danny, but are generally unconcerned). “Ok, Sara, we’ll take care of that in a minute (back to story) Jesus was a tiny baby and shepherds came to visit him…” Sara: “TEACHER! Danny POOOOPED!!!” (more pointing and gesticulating and pinching nose). At that point, a helpful co-teacher will take the poopy child (in this case, Danny) away.

Enough kid stories. Please continue to let us know how you all are. Do you have time for everything in your busy lives? Think of a good excuse to visit San Francisco!!! We miss all of you.

Lots of love, Queen Sheri for the Peterson Family