So, I've been urged by family members not to leave my Christmas shopping until December 24th, this year. Damn. And I thought they enjoyed the gifts I've given in the past coupla years... It's just as well, as I have no idea where the hell I'm going to pick up a real live unicorn a month before Christmas, let alone the night of.
In an odd twist of fate, I've been scheduled by Blue Pumpkin to have five whole days off in a row starting today. Now, I'm definitely not complaining, as I've spent the last 3 weeks with 6 day rotations. Of course, this might mean that after this little holiday I'll be working every day straight through until January 2nd. I'm pleased now, but ask me 01/02/06 how I'm doing, and then step back a bit for my response.
So, I've spent a pleasant morning with my girl at our local coffee shop. We picked up dollar store craft supplies, and made a whackload of Christmas cards for everyone, while getting hopped up on caffeine and chocolate. Ahhh, these are the days...
Yes, I can sense some puzzled expressions already, and I will elaborate obligingly. My girl is suspended from school, and in light of my coincidentally opportune 5 day off in row schedule, I've decided to make lemonade out of lemons, or however the sentiment goes... You see, she's not a bad girl, just lacking in proper vaccinations. And while I was aware of it, we've also been unable to get her vaccinated this past month because she's been away sick for 20 out of 30 days so far. Cold, Flu, bronchitis, you name it. So, while she's been so ill, they wouldn't give her the vaccination, and now, when everybody and his uncle is queueing up for an appointment, we're SOL. Earliest appointment is Monday, so we can't do anything but wait. But at least we can have fun, I guess.
And what fun. This is the first time I've had a chance to sit, read and write on a computer for myself. I may never be a great pianist, or painter, but if anyone needs shorthand typing at the speed of light, I'm right here, sweetheart.
Work is blah. I've got no news, good or bad, or rather, can't be worked up enough to write much more than what I always do; I work there because I have to. End of story.
Family life is swell. My brother and his wife are not coming down Christmas morning, so it at least gives me and my girl some time at home, instead of cramming thirty people in a wartime suburban home model with only one bathroom. We aim to get the tree up sometime during these 5 days, because its now or never.
When did I get so bitter about the holidays? Oh wait, it's knowing that all the toys will be rotting in a toybox in 60 days. If. And knowing that my financial ruin will remain well into spring. It's knowing that all this rush, rush, rush, will just leave me exhausted, broke and liver-shrivelled. And, it's knowing that I'm bound to lose it on any one of the 60 plus customers that I've been speaking to on a daily basis, listening to them tell me why I have to keep their service on, even though they've spent their money on something else. I've done Christmas time at Cellphone Company. It ain't fun. Because, while I won't complain to anyone else but all you lovely folk, I'm not going to take my self-inflicted poverty out on some telephone operator and demand satisfaction from them by pulling a guilt-trip. Baby, I hear it all.
And, I guess I've gone on about work, again.
Well, even though I just went off likethat, I'm actually quite well. I'm feeling a bit better about myself, and maybe it's because I stepped on the scale the other day, and noted that I've lost ten pounds in the past month and a bit. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I've only gone out once in the past month and a bit, so I guess I'll have to 'fess aloud and say what we're all thinking. "ten pounds in beer?!!!"
Cheers.