you have to work between christmas and new year?

I've been working my ass out for a week now. So what I did is that I took my hubby and children out for dinner and then we headed off to a cafe, ate some cakes and pizza and just had fun. :)

That sounds fun d&l

Jase. Then off again until the 3rd. Classes starting soon.

I'm a slug. I am loving this doing nothing thing. Sure, a lot of folks would use this opportunity to get some things done, but I'm not a lot of folks. :lol:

But you are getting things done - you're amusing me. That's important.

:)

This has been a really tough few months for me.
Everything seems to be upside down or inside out or just effed up in general.
Between the normal grind of my new existence coupled with losing my job
back in July and tack on a car accident last month. Bills keep coming,
I'm now paying for health insurance for me and my kids...
I have no income to speak of and my expenses have skyrocketed. All round sucky.

ANYWAY ... I haven't been in the mood for Christmas which is normally my favorite time of year.
Yesterday Son1 (21yr old) who is home on break from college gets up early and says
"It's time, lets do it."
We got all the decorations out and up. We then went buying (real men don't shop)
and scored presents for everyone. He was mature, thoughtful and surprisingly helpful
in selecting gifts on a tight (realistically nonexistent) budget.
He was the kick in the ass I needed to at least feel a little festive.

The house looks and smells like Christmas and I'm gonna wrap a bunch of presents
with music and coffee. For the moment, I am happy and content.

That's wonderful. :) You raised good kids.

I'm happy that Christmas has arrived at Chateau Classic!

Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, classic. Give the boy a little punch in the shoulder from me, just in case a hug might still be embarrassing for him. :)

thanks all.

Clod, we're all Italian here - hugging is what we do best. :)

You've got a good kid there Class, reflects well on the old man.

That just warms the cockles of my heart Classic. :)

I came here to post about my friend. I've mentioned before somewhere around here that my friend Kathy has a daughter who's way off the rails on drugs and just general attitude issues to the extent that Kath hadn't spoken to her daughter for almost 6 months and had no idea where she'd gone to.

Anyway, I just had a message from her telling me that daughter had come home a couple of days ago and was communicating and trying to get her shit together. Anyway, she's going to stay for a few days till after Christmas then go back to her own place, but hopefully keep in touch with her Mum.

It just made me so happy to hear this news. We've all be so worried about her, but at the same time, Kath had to do what she did when she kicked her out. She was just out of control and not facing the fact that she's an adult now (20) and shouldn't be relying on her mother to buy everything for her because she spent all her money on drugs and partying.

It's early days for them yet, but the signs are hopeful. I am glad. Just about the best news I could have had for Christmas. :)

You got you a Gooden there Classic !!!

Good news Ali , but tell your friend to watch out ,
stay hopefull but wary

Thanks guys.

Ali ... I'm pessimistic about this young lady who just happens to appear at moms right before Christmas ... Seems to me that she very well could be using the attitude of the season to get something from mom. Been there - done that.
Remember addicts are the most manipulative people on the planet.