Digging Out of the Rubble with a Teaspoon

Well, here it is, folks. 2012 has arrived right on time and I'm so happy to see that many of you are full of energy and vitality and resolve. Good for you! I, on the other hand, feel like one of those old cars you see people having to push to get a little momentum and then pop the clutch to get 'er going. Just not feelin' it today. My alarm didn't go off this morning and by the grace of God I woke up at 7:15 and was actually able to get the kids to school on time and everyone seemed to be in pretty good spirits. Me? I'm dragging a bit. I have a fever and a sore throat and aches and pains. I just need ONE MORE DAY OF VACATION.

Realistically, one day won't do it for me. As some of you know, we have been on vacation in Niagara Falls since Christmas day. Before that I was working non-stop on a Christmas parade float for the elementary school (We won the Committee's Choice Award!) and then it was room mom and pod mom responsibilities for the school Christmas parties, etc. and trying to deck my own halls and get ready for Santa and get packed for vacation. To say that my regular chores have been neglected would be like saying that Mount Everest is kind of high. Major understatement. I am deep in the rubble and feel like I'm armed with only a teaspoon to dig myself out.

This is all my fault. I do it every year even though I say that I won't. I still have what my husband calls a speech impediment which prevents me from saying the word 'no' to anyone but him. I really enjoy the holidays but get so over-committed that I let things go by the wayside and end up at the beginning of January with a house full of clutter and half done projects and I stand around helplessly with my hands on my hips trying to figure out what to do first.

Here's what I've decided: I'm taking the day off today to focus on list making and assigning myself and the kids tasks to get started on. I'm doing essential laundry to be sure my kids don't have to go to school in 40 degree weather in shorts and t-shirts and will have matching socks and clean underwear. I'm putting a roast in the crockpot and then I'm taking a slug of Nyquil and taking a long winter's nap until time to get the kids from school. That's it. That's my big plan. Not very impressive, I know but at least I have a sort of strategy in place to move forward. David called to inform me that he has a meeting with the Vice President of the company until 8pm so that pretty much prohibits me from doing anything out of the house after the kids get home from school. I won't lie...that works for me!

So what if I am starting off the New Year at a snail's pace? Slow and steady wins the race, right? No condemnation or self flagellation, here. I'm ignoring the rubble for the immediate future. My teaspoon will be unavailable today for anything except stirring a cup of hot tea with lemon. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you now and always.

Blessings,
~Cat