Temporary? Insanity

Time to shake off the holiday malaise and get back to reality! It’s been a shaky recovery, but I’m feeling well on my way to normal now. Of course, the holiday isn’t really over till the laundry is done. And sadly, as Neil’s step-Mom smokes, every single item of clothing, whether worn or not (a lot not – I’m an overpacker), has to be washed.

But I’ve only got another two loads left! Whoohoo!

I’ll preface my ramblings about our holiday with the statement that we are staying home for Christmas next year. Yup. That’s how tired of traveling we are. After four years of living in Oregon and commuting across the border for holidays, doctor’s visits, and childbirths, it’s no wonder.

It didn’t help matters that I forget to refill my prescription before we left. I didn’t notice at first, and then -everybody- noticed. For those that don’t know, a very skeptical Kim was put on anti-depressants two months ago. Apparently I need them! When the even more skeptical Neil begged me to go back on them, I knew it was time to head to the nearest walk-in clinic.

Combine that with Neil’s step-Mom being miserably sick, and as OCD as ever, and Christmas festivities became a little tense. Having to move all the breakables out of reach of the kids -every- day because she put them back every night, not being able to leave a bottle of shampoo in the shower, or hang our towels in the bathroom (we stayed in the basement and had to cart our bathroom stuff up and down), and just generally feeling like a hotel would’ve been a -really- good idea, made our trip there fairly exhausting.

And I didn’t handle it well. Not…at…all.

The worst bit is that she’s one of the sweetest, dearest women in the world, and I hated myself for being annoyed by her.

Our visit in Vancouver was much more enjoyable. The girls had adjusted to the traveling life by then, I was back on my meds, and my mom let me keep my shampoo in the shower and hang my towels up. Bliss!

As always, there was much talk on both sides about scaling down Christmas next year. Every one was thoroughly spoiled. And I can’t help taking the opportunity to brag about how Neil spoiled me!

1) A full body massage at the local health spa. Oh yes…he loves me that much!
2) A Sewing Machine, Fabric, Sewing Accessories, Patterns, etc…
3) The much coveted Roaster…
4) and the much coveted Toaster Oven.

Yes, there’s a definite domestic theme to the gifts, but given my current interests, nothing could’ve pleased me more. And the massage gives the gift list the romantic touch – and gives me an almost better gift; bragging rights!

And my mom and dad bought me a Lagostina pot set. Yes. You may envy me now.

Time now to decide where to store and how to organize our loot. We also did a little furniture shopping (I promise pictures when it arrives this weekend!), so our house in chaos. But it’s a nice, productive chaos, and I’ve learned to enjoy that sort of thing (and not twitch toooo much).

Overall a good time was had by all. But coming home was never so sweet!