Grinch       
11/20/96 2:03 a.m.

Christmas is coming. I am one of those people who secretly wish it will 
get lost in a leap year or something. But it won't. I have a very 
traditional type of a family, and parents who put an amazing amount of 
effort into holidays (and I love them for it) but it doesn't change the 
fact that I want to hide. And here it comes, whether I like it or not.


Perhaps I'll do my Christmas shopping online this year. No one in my 
family would be suprised. If any those Wall Street Journal types are 
listening, yes, there is hope for online commerce. I might not be Ms. 
Average American by a long shot, but  I've done it already, and I liked 
it.  Its easy, its fast, and I'm starting to sound like a commercial. But 
seriously... I think thats what I'll do. I love to buy gifts for people... 
thats perhaps my one reason for enjoying Christmas a little bit. But if I 
have money to spare, I do that all year round anyway, so whats the big 
deal with Christmas? I dislike the obligation that it implies... "What?! 
You aren't buying your [insert relative] a gift?!" Horrors!! I'm sorry.... 
I just dislike the whole "have  to" thing. Can't help myself... tell me I 
'have to' and I dig my heels into the ground and pout. It's NOT the way to
motivate me.

I am thinking of an idea, and I'm too tired to do anything about it... 
I hate when that happens. I was just realizing how my favorite character, 
The Grinch, and my alter-ego, the turtle, resemble each other. Now I have 
one of those nuggets of an idea sprouting in there, and I'm so tired I 
can't see straight. Maybe I'll do something about it some day.

The Grinch... I can't even cope with Christmas without him. If I don't see 
it, it doesn't happen for me. Every year, like a religion, I check the TV 
Guide til I find it. I know, I know, I could rent the video now, but I 
won't! Ever!! The tradition dictates that I find that 30 minute time slot,
 and I be there, no matter what else is happening in the world. I left 
college during my night classes for the sole purpose of watching the 
Grinch. For those 30 minutes I plop myself in front of the TV, usually on 
the floor, and I am lost. I don't think any other piece of film footage 
does to me what the Grinch does. And when his heart grows three times that 
day, I burst forth unto the malls and buy my gifts for everyone. Last year 
I went to the mall, and heard the beautiful sound of Who's in Whoville 
singing, and was mesmerized to find myself in front of 50 TV's ALL with 
the Grinch!! I watched it and I hummed along, and beamed from ear to ear 
like Max, and when it was over (and the sales people were staring at me) I 
went home. I forgot why I went to the mall in the first place. 


Okay, so there is something to be said for the whole Christmas spirit. And 
my parents really need Christmas.


	Mom: Are you going to put up a tree this year? 


	Me. No. 


	Mom: Why?!?!


	Me. Did I last year? Nooooo, I did not. Did we have this 
		 conversation then? Did you lose?  : ) 


	Mom: Awwwwww...its so sad!
	
	Me. BAH!


Maybe I'll make a christmas tree bitmap for my computer...I'll actually 
see it quite frequently, and then I can tell her I have a tree and she 
will leave me be.