Holidays on Eggshells, Day 4

A Vocabulary Lesson

5:22 p.m. (December 23) — Again, in my childhood bedroom trying to ignore the crucifixes on the walls

I received this most excellent quote from my friend K, via text, as I was was watching “The Help” with my mom last night. The timing couldn’t have been more serendipitous: I was in the midst of trying to extend the proverbial olive branch by renting this movie for my mom’s enjoyment. I think the branch worked, at least for the 2-hour-long movie, during which we didn’t talk. It was nice, but not quite paradise.

Paradise is exactly like where you are right now, only much, much better.
— Laurie Anderson

Ms. Anderson got my insomniac self thinking at 3 a.m. this morning about the definition of things, and how definitions are defined by each individual’s perspective. For instance, the official definition of paradise is:

1. a : eden; 2 b : an intermediate place or state where the souls of the righteous await resurrection and the final judgment;
c : heaven
2: a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight

I like Laurie’s definition better. Take note Merriam-Webster.

I also realized I’ve picked up a few “new” definitions after spending the last 3 days in my childhood home. For your reading pleasure, I’ve compiled the following dictionary: