is it just me?

This weekend I traveled to Philadelphia for my niece's christening. In my family, we don't really do christenings (or baptisms or any of those things). But my sister's in-laws are Ukrainian Catholic and christening is a big deal. I think it's a nice idea, and it was a beautiful church. But the ceremony itself was a little nerve-wracking. My poor niece fell asleep on the way to the church, so she had to be woken up for the service. So, they wake her up, stuff her into a fluffy white dress, and take her into the church. The service starts at the back and the baby is handed over to the godmother. They walk down the aisle chanting something, and then she is handed over to the godfather for the remainder of the ceremony. So, the poor godfather has never met this baby before today (he's friends with my brother in law), has no children of his own, and as a medical resident was up until 3 am that morning. Once they pour the water on the baby she (surprise surprise) starts to cry. So now the godfather is trying to get her to stop crying which he has no earthly idea how to do. Then the priest says to him: hold this candle. Are you sure that's a good idea? He's now holding a crying baby in a highly flammable gown (not to mention the oil they're putting on her feet) and you want him to hold a candle? I see how this whole thing could go wrong in a hurry. Fortunately once the wax started dripping on her gown everyone thought better of it and he was allowed to hand the candle to the godmother. I think they probably should have let him hand the screaming baby to his mother but apparently that's not how it works. And the grandmother said that crying is good luck. I assume they say that because I am not sure what kid wouldn't cry, and you want to make it seem like a good thing. Anyway, she was successfully christenend (though apparently started crying each time the nuns touched her, not sure what to make of that).

Some other things I noticed about Philadelphia: 1) they talk funny, 2) they really like to eat a lot, 3) they sell crabs by prices (as in I'll have three $5s and a $7), 4) they really really love Benjamin Franklin. It seems nice there, though big and somewhat uncrowded which while it sounds nice makes the place feel a little rundown. I didn't really see that much of Philly so I can't pass much judgment, but overall I'd give it a 7.

I was feeling kind of depressed before I went and thought maybe a few days with my family would help. Not so much. I realized that if you're depressed it's probably bettter just to drink. (And I wonder how more than half my family ended up as alcoholics.)