dashing through . . . route 50

happy holidays! i don't have anything really groundbreaking to say today but i wanted to post because i always love reading my friends' updates - here i am returning the favor.
my life of late has been consumed, as most everyone's, by christmas shopping, wrapping, sending christmas cards and boxes of gifts, having intentions to make cookies, trying to finish the scarves i'm knitting as gifts, trying to fit in a workout or two (and pretty much failing at that), trying not to eat or drink too much at christmas parties (and definitely failing at that), and spreading overall christmas cheer without losing my mind or accidentally running anyone over. it's exhausting really and i didn't blame S one bit when he came home yesterday from 5 hours of "retail hell" spewing unmentionable blasphemies about the holiday season. his hair was literally standing straight up and he went straight for a beer. we all know how it feels, especially if your "retail hell" is northern virginia. nonetheless, we have gotten some fantastic gifts for our families and i think we're all ready to leave for colton, ny on saturday morning. oh except for making christmas cookies, throwing a small holiday gathering on thursday, buying a toy for those tots, making brownies tomorrow night for my tap class, picking up a gift for my boss, and visiting the white house christmas tree, which S seems to insist on. boy will i be glad to get on the road!

complaining aside, it's a wonderful time of year and i'm enjoying every minute of it, really. i wish you all good cheer and all loose holiday ends tied up. i also send out hope and love and prayers for everyone who's got a heavy or worried heart this december. may you be soothed by cookies and lights.