Yep, I checked the date since my last post and it's been too long.  What's worse is I've been sick (and could feel better tonight) the entire time.  I even ventured to the doctor and about $300 later I've still had this crud for three weeks.  Yeah, the $300 was after insurance saved me....  I'm not sure what it saved me but it would've cost me more without it.  Sucks.

So, Saturday I decided I was going to feel better regardless of how I really felt.  We went out and got a tree, some new lights, and made the kids stand it and add lights.  The ornaments probably won't make it on until this coming weekend but I finally got the presents off my dining table and under a lighted tree.  I look at it and smile.  Then another coughing fit will strike and I feel like crap again.  The docs prognosis was the flu and bronchitis.  They both seem to linger on forever.

This really is my favorite holiday.  I love the sharing and giving spirit that comes to most people this time of year.  It makes me smile to see happy people.  I still don't want to be close to them - people give me panic attacks - but I like imagining they all have happy lives.  I want to forget that factories are closing and the lady in front of me at the Dollar Tree who spent $68 on toys did so cuz they were stocking stuffers and not everything she could afford.  Want to know the strangest part of this being my favorite holiday?  I'm atheist. LOL!  I love the tree, the cold, the smiles on my kids faces when they open their gifts.  I don't celebrate the birth of Christ (and I will capitalize that out of respect for those of you who do), I celebrate giving and caring and sharing with loved ones and friends.

I am hoping to blog more than I have lately.  I have so much to share from my vacation and just life in general!  I have missed the words and the release they give my soul.