Merry Christmas morning! I’m up way too early. I’ve been up since 1:30AM or so, thank you, excitable small children, and I’m quickly approaching the sleep/waking point of no return. Odds are I’m staying up. What the hell. I’ll sleep later. Thank God we never do that “drive to this family then that family then this family” thing on Christmas Day. I’m parking my ass on the couch and watching some basketball.

Yesterday was a pretty good day, except for the incident in which a snowplow almost creamed N in the alley. Let us not talk about that incident. Anyway, the snow was light and beautiful, and the air warmer, so we played outside in the morning. M and her mom went out for lunch/shopping near noon. We’ve all been stuck in the house between the bad roads and subzero temps, so any respite is welcome. Once they returned I hit the office to water the plants, clear out my email, and play loud music. The space was clean and welcoming. I love my office. Afterward I swung by Borders and then Schwartz’s, where I picked up a copy of “I Have The Right To Destroy Myself” before flowing down PW road to church. Now, I haven’t attended church in a good two months, and we haven’t given them money for a good six, so I could feel a few eyes on me as I entered the sanctuary. Remember, I used to be on the board. I sat in back near M’s mom and chatted until my ADD kicked into gear and I walked around the lobby and peered in the windows during the program. The boys did a great job. After the program everyone retired to the basement/church hall for a cast party, if you will. I hung out for thirty minutes and talked with the lady who plays violin for the MSO. She’s very nice. Then I gathered up the kids and drove home. M and her mom stayed to clean up. The boys and I fired up the stove, cooked the pizza, and watched tv. M and her mom followed not long after but M had to return to church because she forgot her camera. I think Christmas stress is getting to her. I hid upstairs and read my new book until I fell asleep, probably before eight.

We’re ready for a good Christmas. Good morning, everyone.