Happy Holidays

Riding bicycles in Vientiane. Tony was riding the same bike. Unfortunately I only have the picture of him in my head :)

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Spending the holidays away from home is exciting but never easy.  We certainly miss all of you very much.  But its the people and time spent together that make our hearts feel empty during this holiday season.  Its not the trees or the shopping obligations or the parties or the food or the commercialization of everything.  Nothing makes this more obvious than being in a country who doesn't celebrate Christmas.  Thankfully we have each other.

This year has been a year of growth for both of us.  Our relationship has grown.  Its hard to believe Tony proposed to me two years ago today (December 23).  We have also grown as individuals.  For though the most important concept I've rediscovered this year is living in the moment.  Sometimes it takes stepping away from ordinary life and regular routines to remember how important this concept is.  There have been so many times especially during this trip when I stop my mind and simply absorb everything and everyone around me.  The sights, the sounds, the smells, etc.  And I realize there is no place I would rather be.  Somehow this realization also engrains the moment in my mind and I hope I will remember it forever. 

For example, Tony and I were riding Laos-style bicycles in Vientiane.  I was following behind him on the main road along the Mekong River and I suddenly felt very happy, very in love and very proud of Tony.  First, the bike looked so out of place for him.  Usually he's on a "high-tech" bicycle, but this was a single-speed, basket on the front, huge padded seat, squeaky brakes, granny handle-bar thing on two wheels.  I correlate the look to the bicycle the witch was riding in the wizard of oz (even the music would fit :).  Regardless of this, he was riding it like a champ.  Second, I thought of how quickly and easily he had grown accustom to backpacker-style traveling.  This is his first long-distance and long-term trip and he fits in like a pro.  I never said a word to him, I simply let the feelings and surroundings of that moment overwhelm me, smile to myself and kept riding.  Its been almost a month since that moment and I sill remember it like it was yesterday.

The concept of living in the moment becomes very vivid for me especially around the holidays.  So I thought I would incorporate the two into this Happy Holiday blog.  As I said before Christmas is not about the presents or food or parties.  Its about the people, the smile, the laughter and the feelings.  So my wish for you this year is to enjoy each moment.  Quiet your mind, stop thinking about where you need to be next or whether people liked your salad, look around the room, study the faces, absorb the laughter, get caught up in your feelings of love, admiration, thankfuless, enjoyment or whatever else might arise.  The moment will soon pass and you may never get another opportunity for a similar moment with the same people in the future.  Hopefully there is no place else you would rather be and you'll remember the moment forever.

All our love . . . we miss you all . . . happy holidays, Carrie and Tony

Tony's Addition:

For me, this is the first Christmas in 35 years that I am not at home. (I know, I have a hard time believing that I am 35 too) And for me, the description of the feelings rings more true than ever. I have never been a person of need. I don't really "need" anything and the whole concept of the additional stress and spending money that does not need to be spent has always felt kind of lost on me. This year, we are a thousand miles from the hussle and bussle of Christmas and I really have to say, I don't miss it at all. I do miss my parents, Todd and the rest of the families that I wish we could see, talk to and eat way too much together with.

On the happier side of the holiday, Carrie and I have spent 2880 hours straight together without more than one hour or two hours apart. (2880 hrs = 4 months @ 30 days each) I am more in love with her today than I was 2 years ago when I asked to spend the rest of her life with me. I am happy to share this holiday experience with her and I wish everyone of you could experience it with us.

In the next two days, I have a few requests that ask of you:

1. Remember us and think of us while spending time together.

2. Tell each other that you love them. Because you do, and that's the best Christmas gift you can give.

3. Enjoy the day.

We love you.

Tony and Carrie