Christmas 2010

The past week or so has been extremely wonderful but exhausting...and that applies even if you don't count the stomach hell that I went through for twenty-four hours, and stomach issues for the past two days. I had the best time with my kids and grandkids. The holiday was about as perfect as it could have been and the time spent with one another felt like a gift from God. I looked at every person in the room on Christmas Eve, and thanked Him. We never know when we can all be in the same room again, we never know what could happen between now and then, people move about, they move on, they multiply. As much as I think it should be law that they all be home with me on Christmas, not everyone would necessarily agree with me. My children honestly love each other, they root for one another, they laugh with each other even if only they understand the joke. Their choices in mates are about as perfect as they are. As rotten as they can (honestly) be, the amount of love and respect they have for me is truly amazing. Each of them honors me and appreciates me. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel for that. It makes me want to do more for them, if possible. I know I am their mother, but I am telling you, they are a wonderful group of people that understands the value of family and love. What more could I ask for? And my Grandsons? Oh my...what can I say? Awesome. That sums it up.

The gifts were good, the food was good and too much, the laughter was even more abundant. This was Christmas Eve, when we have our family gift-exchange and appetizer-dinner. By the next day, when I was in the middle of the preparation of the Christmas dinner, the stomach flu made it's first but far from the last appearance in my daughter. The next three days were spent in hell for most of us. OMGosh....I haven't been sick like that for decades. I am still not quite right, although I am back among the living. All I have to say about that is I am thankful that it waited until after the big gathering the night before. My poor Janelle is still dealing with the last remnants of it all at her house.

And now, it is back to real life for the past few days. I am buried at work and will remain that way until about the end of January. I am looking forward to a quiet New Years spent with Mark. I want quiet and calm for awhile. I have worked hard lately and am ready for a bit of time off, at home and at work.

Happy New Year, all. Bring on 2011. :)

Overwhelmation

Overwhelmation --- Happens every year about this time, when one realizes that the big HO will be here in mere days, and still so MUCH left to do.

Just as I was sighing that big sigh of relief, just as I was giving myself a big 'ol giant pat on the back, I looked at the calendar and realized that I've only a bit of time before the big Santa arrival. I really thought I had it all under control just a few days ago. I had bought everything gift - wise, it was all wrapped and under the tree. I have only put a little on my credit card, the rest all paid for with cash. Oh yeah..I was feeling good. But this morning? I realize it's only one week until the day. ONE WEEK. I have not even started on the stockings..in fact, I don't even have the stockings yet, at least not for the little guys in my life. I have not shopped for food, I have not gotten my apartment "ready" for company-my son Craig and his beautiful gf Dani will be here late Monday night. I have not started the baking. One of the gifts I ordered has been cancelled so a replacement has to be found. I have not spent any time at all with my grandsons this week so I see them tonight for dinner. I have to shop after that, and let's face it, this old lady just can't take it all in one evening these days. By eight pm, I am a zombie. I have generally been up since three-thirty or four am, walked/ran several miles at the gym, worked eight hours...and so I die about eight. If only I could stay awake and not get tired, I could get so much more done. Bleh. These are the reasons that every year, when the big celebration is all over, I swear "Never Again". But by the time it rolls around again, I have forgotten the way I am feeling this morning. One way or another, I know I will manage it all. I always do. But I honestly hate the feeling that I will carry with me for the next few days. I do it to myself, I am the only one with the expectations of perfection, no one expects it, or asks for it. But I YAM THE WAY I YAM I guess. I will never change. The celebrations and traditions will never change. And I will keep on, keepin' on. But I am going to tell you all right now---- "never again". Teeheehee, yeah, right.

Overwhelmation. Yep, that sums it up. Happy Friday. :)