I'm dreaming of ......

.......Christmas being over. Yup, you can just call me the Grand Poo-bah of Humbug. No, I don't hate Christmas per se. I just don't like all the stuff that goes with it. It has a lot to do with my current life, and a little to do with my health.

In past years I have been very organized, with my cards all ready to go, labels made, and it used to make me happy. Truthfully, this year has just not been all that happy for us. Sometimes, I feel like a junior high kid who is in a holding pattern, waiting to get into high school and on with my life.

We have tons of old tree ornaments that could go on a tree, but we haven't put up a real tree since 2003 when our son and his family were here for Christmas that year. I love the fragrance of a real tree, but the allergens that go with it are horrible. Taking out the old ornaments is fun, but only when you know you are going to share them with people who remember them.

I am just ready to get on with the new year. It has to be better than this year. At least I hope so. This summer we could have lost our whole family in one horrendous truck/trailer accident. That has stayed with me all summer and fall. We didn't go anywhere or do anything much this year, so I had nothing to write about in a Christmas letter.

Contrary to popular opinion, I am not having a hard time with "getting old". I don't feel old, and I would be ready and willing to do a lot of things, but money seems to be a challenge. Not that we are poor, but we are trying to pay off bills and be careful in preparation for eventual retirement.

So, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, or whatever you celebrate. I understand those of you who are not into the holiday right now too. May all of us have a good 2007.