Hap, hap, happy Holidays

I really hope this isn't a sign of what kind of Christmas were in for.

Eli was so excited to see Santa.  Both kids ran up to him with glee.  Then Santa dropped Eli.  Twice.

It's kind of how I'm feeling.  I was so excited for this particular Christmas.  I was getting things done right and left.  We were going to have the most peaceful and "hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny effin' Kaye.*"

And then . . .

• My mom ends up in the hospital over Thanksgiving and the holiday just isn't the same without her.

• I seal and address over half of our Christmas cards before I realize our name isn't printed anywhere on the card.  Happy holidays from that family that looks vaguely familiar!

• There is an incident with our laptop.  I won't go into details, and I'm using it at this very moment, but the monitor has some interesting visual effects to work around.  Where is the Mac Book fairy when you need her?

• I step on the scale only to realize I've gained back every single pound I've lost since August.

I realize it's early in the season.  Therefore, I'm not ready to give in to my inner Scrooge yet.  I resolve to find the bright spots in an otherwise grumpy week.  This includes:

• Hearing Eli sing along to The Killers in the car.  And knowing the lyrics.

• Elena offering to set her alarm and wake up with Eli on the weekend.  She might not change diapers, but she makes a mean bagel and she knows how to work the TV.

• Seeing "New Moon" last Saturday.  Sparkly vampires and rock-hard werewolf abs can really elevate a girl's spirit.

• Wine and Graeter's Pumpkin Ice Cream.  Which very well could explain the recent weight gain.  Hmm . . .

Hope you're having a cheerier start to your holidays.  And if not?  Venting is always in season here at Just Like The Number.

*To paraphrase the great Clark Griswold, who also makes my holidays cheery and bright.