Christmas Chaos and Weekly Update

Well, I picked up the camera to video what it’s like in the middle of our Christmas Chaos. I hope you enjoy it. It’s just mainly a reminder that we all go through a not so put together phase in December, possibly even most of the month. But yet we manage to get it all done somehow right on time. The goal is always “finish early” but at my house that rarely happens due to the time factor and all that is on our plates. This is for anyone that wants to know there is someone else out there struggling in the chaos but yet needs a little hope. There is encouragement through the chaos! You can watch it HERE.

So as of today, Saturday the 14th, I am much better. The house is mostly decorated. I have a few remaining ornaments to put on the tree. I also need to clean and decorate my (home) office a bit but it’ll have to wait til all the wrapping because I have presents all over my office! And today is wrapping day. I had a PTO day yesterday and most of our decor is done and laundry. I even organized the silverware drawer as it was getting on my nerves.

I pretended yesterday that I was “retired” already. Just practicing my schedule. I enjoyed the day and found myself at peace, knowing the days were coming. Only one more week to work. Yay. And it’s kind of a party week.

I do have some work news, but I think I need to wait until I know there has been a public announcement. I think the world may know already but I need to see that the press release has happened before I discuss it here. I googled but didn’t see it. But the employees know now of the upcoming changes. I have known for a while but couldn’t discuss. You won’t believe it when I tell you. But then again you might the way the world works. More on that later. There was a chance my employment could have ended Friday, but I’m grateful that I am allowed to work this next week and be a part of the holiday party, my retirement party, etc., and to finish out the plan as we had discussed and they (the company) had promised. Had I been laid off a week early I think I’d have had some issues with forgiveness on the matter, but of course would be glad to have the extra week off – but then it would mess up George’s banking, financial plans as he was budgeted with my working through the 20th and it might not have come with any severance since I’d already given notice. So I’m grateful and thankful and blessed that I’m being able to work through the 20th as planned. More on all the changes later.

I’m feeling some stress rolling off a bit. But I know this next week will kinda be busy and stressful some. Mom has a procedure Monday so I have to leave work early. We have our employee meal which is not just catered but employees have to provide most of the food. Sadly. We used to have a catered holiday meal, :-/. I signed up for Black Eyed Pea Salad. I’m not sure why they made us sign up as it was called a “Pot Luck”. For Pot Luck’s you don’t use a sign up. Does anyone go to church? lol Probably not. Maybe they don’t know. Part of the Pot Luck is not planning and seeing how you luck out.

So my retirement party is the 19th, and my last day the 20th. And our family retirement party evening out is the 20th. Katy and Cody arrive that day but we likely won’t see them til next day. They are crashing at Cody’s parents after their long 13 hour drive day with two young children. I did invite them but I knew they likely would not feel like going. So we are celebrating with them at brunch the next day. Works for me. Three parties to celebrate 47 years of working. Maybe 46 and some odd months. I started working when I was 15 and will be almost 62 when I quit.

Also Aunt Martha and Uncle Ken arrive later this weekend or perhaps Monday. So this is why I try so hard to get things done. Everything starts happening mid month with family arriving. And we’ll want to see them. They are staying with Mom. But we have a busy schedule the next couple of weeks. So I need to go to get all the wrapping done today.

Here’s the video link again if you need it. You can watch it HERE. See you again real soon.