Let the Madness Begin

Reality hurts. It hurts real bad.

Nothing like waking up on a cold Monday morning to a mountain of bags to unpack, a house that needs groceries, a pile o'laundry to wash, and a sleepy boy to wake.

Thanksgiving was wonderful...and over way too soon.

We traveled to Florida "unexpectedly" to see family. We wouldn't normally drive that far for a short visit, but Dan's grandpa is very ill. So... we made a visit, and it was nice to see everyone. It's just the "getting there" that stinks. It was a 12 hour drive. It made our California trip feel like a quick ride to Dairy Queen. Have I mentioned that I do not enjoy a long car ride? Throw in a squirmy 9 year old, two whiny cats, and about a zillion other holiday travelers. Oh, and a little road construction. Good times, people. Good times.

Then, we drove... again... to spend a little time with my family. Had to get my hands on that nephew of mine. Oh so sweet. There was lots more food, a little shopping, and plenty of laughs. My son, husband, father, and brother even invented a new "man game" while we were there. But it deserves its own post. Stay tuned...

And now the Christmas season is UPON us.

I SHOULD be stressed.

Like my sister-in-law told me (at least 923 times) this weekend,

"Christmas is only 27 days away!" Well, honey, now it's 24.

But, oddly, I am not stressed... YET.

I found myself giddy at the sights of Christmas lights on houses as we drove home last night.

Not giddy at the ENORMOUS amount of cars on the road that turned our 4 hour drive into a 6 1/2 hour drive. We had to get OFF the interstate and take "back roads" to make it home before Wednesday.

Wanna know the worst part about back roads? No Starbucks. I was forced to drink a Sonic coffee. Desperate times, people. Desperate times.

Wanna know the best part about taking "back roads" to make it home before Wednesday?

Christmas lights on houses. I was smiling in the dark... sipping my Sonic coffee.

I feel a little inspired. I might even be stringing up my own festive display tonight...