Ho Ho HooOMG CHRISTMAS!

Christmas is just around the corner and as usual I'm skidding into it with a sleigh load of last minute projects, shopping tasks, and party plans. Procrastination and general laziness ensure I have reserved parking on the Naughty List year after year, though this year I've done exceptionally well, having all of my gift shopping finished almost two weeks in advance.

I don't want to hear a word from those of you who were done shopping by December 1. Bunch of savages.

Every year, the weekend after Christmas, we have a Christmas Afterparty at our house for family that spends the actual day with other family. It's a chill affair, with lots of food, a few presents, and some relaxed visiting. However this year we've added a second Afterparty for friends and the hub's coworkers. In other words, people who don't know what our house normally looks like and therefore will not be impressed by my joy over getting 85% of the dog hair off the dog couch.

Suddenly all my unfinished projects have come under the harsh glare of a reality spotlight. I look around and see half painted baseboards and unsewn curtains and a kitchen that's been 72% remodeled for the past 4 years, and the panic sets in as I wonder, what do I grab first? A hammer? A paintbrush? A bottle of vodka? I find myself wondering how good our homeowner's insurance is and if it covers accidental fires, and if so, is it too late to book an event venue for a party that seemed like a stellar idea back in October.

Also on my list of shame are two books that I've yet to finish. Add not writing at least something every day AND starting a new book before the first one was finished to my list of sins.

At least the tree is done.