I seem to be in a countdown mode all over my life right. The tiny bit of child still in me started counting down to Christmas on December 1. We bought a choclate Advent calendar last year at Trader Joe's, but it's dated through February 2023. Why not open the little doors? One is now open to reveal a tasty little bite of choclate.
Before Christmas, I'm counting down the days to the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year. But, then we start picking back up those first seconds then minutes of daylight every day. That's my consolation by mid January when I'm so over the magic of winter white and lights and all it seems is dark, cold, and frightful. I need to get a list ready of things to look forward too between January and April. Having things to look forward to helps my countdown to spring.
As of today, I'm counting down five weeks until my daughter is back in Minnesota. It's been a long time since September 7th. I really miss her. Her college Christmas concert, quite a major production would have been this weekend on campus, then next week in Minneapolis. It feels sad to have only gotten two live ones because Covid caused 2020 to b a recorded and pieced together, socially distanced performance. I remember this feeling with my older daughter too, as she had been living at home the nine months from her college graduation in December to leaving for grad school in London in September. It was different when DS left as he never moved back home after his second year of college and had other kids home.
There's probably more, but the last count down I'll mention is 9 months to DH's retirement. I threatened to hide his phone on Thursdays. They won't leave him be! Plus, he's got an even bigger asshat of a guy managing a different department trying to create chaos with other departments, an arrogant prick that decided everyone else that works there are small town bumpkins and customers are idiots.
I suppose I should focus a bit on things to enjoy while I'm counting down. Still no commitment from DS. I think there's some cheap(ish) flights but he'd need to travel with just a back pack or the baggage fees are ridiculously high. A change of clothes, extra socks and underwear, and he'd be fine. He can grab track pants and sweatshirts from DH when his stuff is in the wash, and alternate wearing clothes for gatherings. Gifts can be shipped back cheaper than luggage fees! If he doesn't make it, we'll still talk with him, and I'll ship things anyway.
I've got a holiday music concert tonight with a friend, and a Christmas market tomorrow with the mom's. Next weekend my sister's and I talked about doing the county fairgrounds Pioneer Village Christmas. The dogs can hang out with DH, and us girls can meet whoever wants to join. The last weekend before Christmas I'll do my wrapping, final treat making, and delivery. There's trivia to break up the week and we'll get together with DH's friends and wives at least once. DD has a dog park fundraiser on December 18 she's helping with, and I'll bring her pup for photo ops. She's got her house so cute for Christmas. Here's a taste.
That's my Friday ramble, I mean free for all musings. Do you get in a countdown mode before holidays, trips,or between seasons? How do you try to stay in good cheer during the long winter months if you can't escape?
My favourite date this time of year is the winter solstice - meaning we get a little bit of extra light per day from then on. I really do not like winter, roll on Spring for me.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I dislike winter more. I must find more hobbies to keep me busy.
DeleteI can hardly wait until New Years when I fly across country to see grandbabies. But first I have to get through prosecuting a murder trial before Christmas, and all the drama the holidays involve with folks fighting. It is kinda awful in court this time of year. Not a fan. Thanksgiving is my big holiday meal I do. Christmas meal, if I do one depending on work schedule of my three boys in state, is far more low key. One usually works Christmas. I just give kids cash. Depends of if one son is off and when other son comes up from school bc he has like ten animals to tend to when not in school at his house so he only comes for the day… lol. May go to Midnight mass with ex just to pacify him. I don’t know and I don’t really care. Church is decorated nicely. I have a Barbie I will put unwrapped in my large purse I will take on plane to grandchild who is old enough now to get excited. That is my train of thought….. lol. Obviously I just go with the flow and let Christmas happen as everything always works out one way or the other. I don’t have large family gatherings to tend to like you do with tons of extended family anymore. The older generation has died and my generation moved all over the country for work and retired where they moved to, well generally. Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you are a prosecutor. I can imagine the family pain and drama you witness. I'm happy for you getting to see your grandchildren.
DeleteI love all seasons but I really think Fall/Winter are my favorites. I like the shorter days that make the evenings cozy. All the lights and candles make it seem special. We have a lot of game nights and movie nights and then of course there is the comfort food and baking. It's just a magical time of year to me.
ReplyDeleteI like cozy, but dark by 5:00 is not for me. I also don't like the bitter cold. A sunny day over 25° I can handle well and even enjoy being outside, but the early sunset makes me want to hibernate.
DeleteOur winters are not as brutal nor as long as yours so that may be part of it.
DeleteMaybe. I just like sunlight!
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the family for the holidays, & for the two weeks of no meetings we have towards the end of the year. It's our time for lots of escalations & drama, but it's easier to handle those without back to back meetings.
ReplyDeleteI'm also incredibly excited for the end of the semester & finals. High school is really intense & hard on the kids, so getting a break where they know they don't have to study is super nice.
I've got a full week off. DH has two and he needs them. I hope your weeks are without any interuption.
DeleteFor you to use the words "arrogant prick" - well that guy REALLY must be an arrogant prick! The sooner your DH retires the better then! And I can't believe your daughter will be back from Spain soon. Didn't the time just fly? I always tend to think that as soon as Christmas/New Year is over well spring is almost here. And of course it's not, but dreaming doesn't hurt does it!
ReplyDeleteHe's the spawn of something. My jaw drops hearing what his behavior is from day to day. He's the person in the car industry that creates the bad reputation. Swarmy, pushy, and just plain dishonest.
DeleteIt's been a weird season for me, for it will be my first real Christmas with my daughter and the grandchildren. And let's not forget about my surgery. I listen to my favorite upbeat playlist to cheer me up during the cold winter months.
ReplyDeleteI hope your Christmas gathering with the family is special and carries through to good things, results from your surgery. You're in my prayers.
DeleteYou are so much like me, in your need for light. I too look forward to adding a minute or two of light every day.
ReplyDeleteI find myself looking for sunrise and sunset times, just to see if daylight has extended.
DeleteWow, that’s some strong talk lady. My partner had a similar disruption before he retired....he loved his job but simply didn’t want to put up with idiots anymore.
ReplyDeleteNow the only idiot he puts up with is me.
Megan
This man is beyond idiot status. He's a deceitful and dishonest protagonist, trying intentionally to throw others in the line of fire - fire he created.
DeleteDecember 1, my first thought was Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou've mentioned your paper chains. I've seen them used before as Christmas countdown - both adding a link per day to grow the chain, or tearing one off as a countdown.
DeleteThank you for your thoughtful comments about Beaux Gatsby. It was a rough week, but Bailey has been decorating the house for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI hope your son does decide to come home for the holidays. Yes, he can definitely use your DH’s clothes while his are in the wash. He will have two sets at least. I know you’ll be thrilled to have your daughter back home with you. I’m like you and in January am over Christmas, but right now we are enjoying this season. I hope you have a great weekend, Sam.
I'm glad Bailey is able to still keep adding some cheer. He'll come home if his work schedule is settled enough to make and book reasonable flights.
DeleteJre I’m cheap on something’s not on others but a pet peeve is luggage charges! I love to travel, scope out cheap airfares and can get by very well with my one personal item thank you very much! I use a backpack and amazing what you can fit in and for your son, wear the bulky things! I went to Sedona a few years ago with two sisters for 6 days. They, especially one who’s a fashionista couldn’t believe I didn’t bring a suitcase. In fact she had a small carry on with makeup … (no clothes!) and checked a suitcase. The airline lost her suitcase! She didn’t even have one item of clothes/pajamas. I had several. Rolling things when packing helps. They found her suitcase at the airport when we were leaving! The amount they were going to reimburse her was crazy. She said she had 5 $300 tops alone. (That’s not me! Ha! ) note we did stop at a Target in Phoenix where she got a few things and submitted her receipt right after we picked up our rental car.
ReplyDeleteI like to have a change of clothing minimally in a back pack but it's been a long time since I've checked bags, other than at the gate. These discount flights now charge for carryon bags so back packs are the largest without added fees.
DeleteDo you charge much to come over and decorate my house for me?
ReplyDelete