Feeling completely domesticated...

I baked cookies last night, my favorite kind: molasses crinkles, with the intention of giving them to my neighbors who are my friends, that is my friendly neighbors.

The list is...well...short. Mary Ellen, my 70-something duplex-sharer who is so sweet, whose children refurbished the outside of my home when they did her's, and who has a tiny mini-yorkie named Ginger who is so adorable I almost can't stand it. Dereck, my across the street, caddy-corner neighbor who has been a friend since we lived in the same dorm my sophomore year of college, that is to say, five years ago. Liz & Chalupa, my dear friends who keep me sane and who have fed me and entertained me more than anyone else here in Upland. I've known Liz since Freshman year and Chalupa since she married him last year. I love them both.

As Dereck is rarely home due to his somewhat schizophrenic job, I couldn't deliver the cookies to him last night. But I did visit Mary Ellen and Ginger, where we exchanged phone numbers and had a pleasant chat about Christmas/winter plans. I really want to be this woman's friend. I think we should play dominoes or scrabble this winter. How fun would that be?

When I got to Liz & Chalupa's, I was greeted by four people--Sara & Landon were there--which was very exciting. I'm not sure I've seen much of them since they got married in July. Sara made me a besprinkled and frosted snowman cookie before I left.

At work yesterday, I discovered a co-worker loves molasses cookies and he told me if I brought him even a half of a cookie it would make his month. I brought him six. He's happy.

Being neighborly is fun. You learn interesting things about people and are given cookies in exchange for your cookies. I remember when I used to think fostering relationships was a waste of my time. It wasn't even that long ago. I'm glad I got over that. Loving people, in whatever way you can, makes a difference for them, but also in you. Loving people has changed me, even if it's as simple as walking next door.

It's Christmas. Do something kind and generous for someone else. See if it brightens their face and your mood.