Baa Humbug!

I'm holiday bi-polar!

Well, as you already know, my Christmas spirit was in full swing last night. I gave my dear sweetheart his chair, he loved it, and all was right with the world.

Then today happened. It started off okay. I had to work, but I work with my wonderful family. It was a slow-ish retail day at our paint store. Then, at 4:30 p.m. (30 minutes before closing), a painter comes in and orders 30 gallons of paint to be tinted. Not a big deal, but all the employees were gone except one. So here I am in my administrative gear (4 inch heeled boots and dress clothes) tinting paint. But, thank God for the business, it's been a booming year!

So, after I leave work, I head out shopping. I've done all my Christmas shopping but the men in my life have not. So, I had to go get my mom's present from my dad and my sister-in-law's present from my brother! Grrr, they had all year to do this, why wait until now and then ask me! In their defense, they picked out the gift, I just had to pick it up. But still, I was not amused. Especially since their gifts were heavy.

Well, the crowds were crazy, my feet were aching, and my Christmas spirit was low. Then, at Kohl's, I did something very silly and it made me happy. My poor feet couldn't take my boots one more minute so I bought some house shoes and put them one. I finished my shopping in slippers. It made me laugh so hard. I called my best friend just to tell her about it. She was amused and mocked me. Secretly, I think she's jealous that she's not confident enough to style about in house slippers. :)

You know, I really learned a lesson tonight. Life is about the small stuff. Little things can make you so mad (like last minute shopping for OTHER people) or happy (like house slipper shopping). You just have to decide which direction to go.

Footed PJs

Another thing that made my happier tonight was my child in footie pajamas. You know the kind, they zip up the front and have little built in feet. Are those not the epitomy of childhood innocence? For the longest time, I haven't been able to find any in her size. She is very tall and very thin. I found some tonight! They are so cute, with little penguins on them. She jumped up and down when she saw them. Oh, the simple joys of life!

Yuletide Advice

After my awful experiences tonight, I've drawn up a to do list for shopping tomorrow (if you must).

1. Pray, you will need divine intervention (and comfortable shoes).
2. Be patient, you will not be able to get done with anything quickly.
3. Be nice to sales people. This is the worst time of year for them. They deserve your love.
4. Don't kill yourself and your wallet trying to find the "perfect" gift. I only remember one or two things I got for Christmas last year. Your family wants your time and love, not just your gifts.
5. Remember why we celebrate Christmas. Take a moment and thank God for the ultimate gift, Jesus.
6. Once you get home, and you are shell shocked and shaking, repeat the following mantra. "Next year I will buy all my gifts online in August, next year I will buy all my gifts online in August".

Merry Christmas everyone, I'll check in tomorrow!!

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!