Mixed Nuts

Hey, A.

It has been a great weekend, including those moments I got to spend on the phone with you a little while ago. Yay. So much feels good: my mood, my holiday spirit, planning my parents' 50th anniversary party; so much is terribly wrong: my nephew and his eating disorder, my sister and her closeted relapse. I am trying to focus on the positive without ignoring the negative, yet without owning all that is wrong. I must say it is somewhat difficult for me to feel victory in keeping a safe distance from the ugliness. I'm not sure I realized, until these past few months, after what now feels like a long hiatus that has come to an abrupt stop, how much of my life and my energy I have spent making things right or trying, taking responsibility for things/people that were/are wrong/sick. Fortunately, I have good and wise friends like you and J who remind me that there are things that I cannot fix, that are not mine to fix--or sit and worry about and waste weekends doing so. I'll get there....Just like I'll get to Christmas. My progress?

Decorations? Done.
Tree? Up.
Cards? Not done. The 4 I told you about probably don't count.
Presents? A few are all set. Most are still not purchased, but on a very organized and precise list.
Treats? (this year's holiday treat is bark...white, dark, milk with all sorts of hidden surprises...you may find some in your package) In progress.
Mood? Good. That's probably most important.

Given the 7 day forecast, another snow day before vacation is unlikely, but we only have 8 school days to go. And the fun starts this week! Our faculty happy hour (at the restaurant we went when you last visited and met M there) is Thursday after our monthly faculty meeting. C and I have a girls' night dinner planned, and I'm actually looking forward to the shopping I still have to do. Before I know it, I'll be on vacation and Christmas will be here.

So glad you had fun at your annual 12 drinks progressive party and that festivities didn't take a toll today. I'll let you know exactly when I get your package out this week, but promise it will be THIS WEEK. Have fun wrapping, or party planning, or writing, or whatever you feel like tonight...

Love you!
Barb