Getting Better

 It seems that my sore mitigation protocols were effective. Although I can still feel it, the intensity decreased as the day progressed. By nightfall I was walking Friend without my limp and felt a spring returning to my step. This morning I feel great, although I still plan on taking it easy today to make sure it continues to heal. 

The fact that I am waking up to an ice storm this morning certainly helps my "take it easy" plan. I enjoy playing in the leaves, in the rain and in the snow, but I do not do ice. I avoid ice at all costs. My little pup has the same ice aversion. This morning he refused to budge past our porch because of the freezing rain. 

Today will be busy with work, school, baking and staying cozy by the fire. Although my Snowman has been counting down since September, it is almost impossible to fathom that Christmas is 10 days away. Time has flown by so quickly, especially with the chaos and confusion of the autumn. I am beginning to feel overwhelmed by everything that we need to do, but I am also aware that nothing is so pressing that it is worthy of anxiety and stress. 

This year, I want a relaxed Christmas.

Little Painful Sore

 Ugh. I've been so frustrated for the past 24 hours because I have been reminded of my mobility vulnerability. I had plans for the beginning of the week which included significant baking and exterior decorating. I have the ingredients lined up and my pans are ready. Unfortunately, my plans have been stymied by an enraged ingrown hair on the edge of my tibia. 

I'm amazed how an utterly benign looking pimple could create so much discomfort. I felt it forming over the weekend and immediately began my mitigation protocols.  I managed to keep the sore from growing and breaking so I am going to consider the efforts a success. 

The tiny sore on my tibia ruled all of my activities yesterday. I thought about it when I was walking the dog, when I was making dinner and every single time I was called into another room to answer a question or to find a lost item. My limb was prominent throughout the day as I tried to avoid the pain that was caused when my socket pressed against my tibia. 

Pain is exhausting. I was so tired last night yet I felt like I had accomplished so little. This morning the sore is still there but is not as prominent. I am going to continue to protect it as much as possible. I really don't have time for skin issues right now.

Vacation week

Another Christmas season weekend has come and gone. My house now has more baked goods, is holding a few more hidden presents and is decked out with more lights and blow-up figures. It is definitely looking (and feeling) a lot like Christmas!

This is the last week of school before the beginning of Christmas break. At the beginning of this new school year I was so frazzled I wasn't sure how we would navigate to this point. Thankfully everything has worked out. Timmy has settled into his new school and we have adjusted to the new schedule and expectations. It definitely wasn't easy, but I finally feel like I am back in control of my schedule. 

This week will be busy but rather uneventful. Vacation starts Friday afternoon for the boys, so I know that there eyes are looking ahead. Hopefully any surprises this week will be fun!

Relaunch

 A few months ago I received an email from a network hosting platform, informing me that a project I created was going to be "reconfigured" on December 8. Since that date, I have been immersing myself in webinars and flowcharts, trying to plan my implementation of the new features on launch day. Yesterday has been circled on my calendar, in red, since I learned of the transition. I knew the task was going to be trying, but I underestimated the herculean to-do list that unraveled as I went down the rabbit hole of each "quick fix."

I woke up early, pouring myself a large mug of coffee before settling down to tackle the relaunch. With the exception of breaking to settle the kids, I worked for 14 hours straight. By the time I turned off my laptop I could no longer focus my bloodshot eyes. I had a breakthrough after lunch in understanding the flow so I am optimistic that it will be easier going forward.

Wish me luck! Time to get back at it.

A Special Evening

Yesterday was one that I will remember forever. Watching Robby's induction into the National Honor Society I was flooded with pride. His road through school has not been smoothly paved, but he has remained on course and has worked hard. He deserved the honor and all of the accolades.

After school we dressed in nice clothes, kissed Scott and Timmy goodnight and headed out for the evening.Our annual Nutcracker trip is one that we both anticipate and enjoy. Per tradition, we began at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. After eating we were able to stroll through the mall before heading to the theater for the ballet. It was wonderful just spending some quiet time with Robby.  

The Nutcracker Ballet has been our tradition for almost a decade, but this was our first in-person show since the pandemic began. For the past two years we streamed the ballet at home while enjoying a nice take-out dinner. Although we made the best out of the circumstances, it felt comforting to return to our in-person tradition. 

Induction and the Nutcracker

Today is a special day in our house. 

This afternoon Robby, my sweet little Koopa, will be inducted into the National Honor Society. I used to lose sleep by fretting and worrying over his school options. I remember the devastation I felt when he was refused admission to a private school because of his hearing. Look at him now!

Despite all of the obstacles he has faced, Robby has avoided excuses and continues to work hard. I am so incredibly proud of this accomplishment and I am looking forward to celebrating with him. His Induction Ceremony is being conducted virtually this afternoon. (If you are interested in watching send me a message for the link.)

After his Induction, Robby and I will head out for our annual Nutcracker adventure. We have been seeing the Nutcracker together for nearly a decade. I am looking forward to seeing the performance in person this year, even if it means we will be masking. 

Stay tuned for pics!

Our Tree

Every December our little family climbs into the SUV to drive to West Virginia in our quest for the perfect Christmas tree. During the drive to the tree farm my imagination floods with tranquil images of chopping down the tree, all while joyfully singing Jingle Bells as a family. By the time we pull into the farm gates an hour later, I'm bubbling with holiday anticipation and excitement. 

It isn't until we have begun our trek into the fields that I remember that I do not live within a Norman Rockwell painting. My family, specifically all three of my "boys," view cutting down a tree as a chore instead of a joy. As soon as we are immersed within the confidence of the tree the complaints and bickering begin to fly. My idealistic Christmas visions abruptly dissolve, revealing the reality of our family.

I love Christmas tree shopping, but I am alone. The boys would be content with a colorful (and easy to assembly) artificial tree. After the complains that flowed after schlepping the 12 foot tree out of the field, I am leaning towards conceding. Nothing zaps the holiday spirit more than hearing a barrage of complains and frustration during an activity that is supposed to be enjoyable.

After 16 years, perhaps it is time for a new tradition, one that everybody might enjoy. I love our ginormous tree, but their complaints continue to ring in my ears.