I’ve started this post four times.  I’ve quit it three times because I get a) depressed 3) exhuasted or xi) busy.

I’m not quite in the holiday spirit this year, perhaps because I somehow managed to make this one harder and more hectic.  Although to be fair, I did not put Tom’s grandfather in the hospital.  And if I would just scream, “SHUT UP!  THIS IS HOW IT WILL BE DONE!” to the family rather than be concerned about stepping on toes, the scheduling would be much easier.

Tom and I have already exchanged gifts.  It was rather inevitable because while he was on a business trip through yesterday, I put together most of his gift by way of a new desk, new monitor, and various other small items to make the study more comfortable.  I even replaced my M.S. degree that used to hang right at desk eye-sight with a picture he had framed from a fishing trip.

(He asked where my degree was.  “In the closet.”  “You should hang it some where!”  “Enh.”)

(His mother believes I’ve gifted myself into being a computer-widow.  Considering how much he and I both enjoy our downtime, I am not rending my garments in agony.)

Once he saw the study, we quickly exchanged everything else.  I received some neat, thoughtful gifts.  The best so far I believe is the HEPA air purifier for the bedroom.  Since I am allergic to all that is furry (yes, that includes YOU), but I also refuse to give up cuddling time with the animals in bed, this is a brilliant present. 

I say, “best so far”, because two items did not really hit the spot and will be exchanged for my true desires.  I think three years ago if my SO gave me presents that I didn’t really enjoy or think I’d use, I probably would have said thank you and then sulked only to bring up the less-than-perfect presents in some arguement in May.  Yesterday it took about a half hour of contemplation before I pointed out that I’d use X & Y much more than A & B so could we hit the stores sometime?  He in turn was unoffended and happy that he had the opportunity to get me what I really wanted.

It may some like a little, petty thing, but it goes a long way in my book as to how well we are made for each other.

On a side note, it was quite refreshing to exchange gifts before the real holiday.  We have tons more to open from various relatives, including everything not under the tree that awaits us in Gainesville for our Christmas celebration.  It was nice to just take some time to share with each other versus having a huge glut where you forget everything you opened when it’s over.

Once finals were over, I started working a MWF schedule at my PT job and spending more time at the sanctuary on the other days.  How lucky and fun is it to have such a flexible schedule?  Granted, I have perhaps scheduled myself a might thin (I know, you’re shocked), but I can’t complain because everything I do is because it’s what I want to do.  It’s not often people get to say that about their lives.

And…that’s about it.  Except that I did indeed contact one of my old goodbyes.  Two in fact, although only one has responded.