Because even though you are moving in slow motion; the rest of the world isn't

Even though I am not sure where the last 48 hours went, I do know that I may have lost track of time and space, but the rest of the world hasn't. Life is still moving on.

And because I can't bear to write about Sammy yet, I will just share some of the random stuff rattling around in my mind.

-Last night Kissed Knitter and I got together for what I hope is the first annual Christmas knitting extravaganza. Being the hostess with the mostess (and the only one that cooks), she invited me to her house for dinner, knitting and Grey's Anatomy. I got that and much, much more. First and foremost, good company, great chit-chatting and of course a little venting. And then there were gifts. She gifted me with some Lorna's Laces in Poppy that I had coveted, but refrained from buying. It didn't stop there, she also gave me a book store gift card. That Kissed Knitter is too generous for her own good. Oh, and there was peppermint ice cream. She bought the good stuff and I did indulge. Christmas is officially here.

We aren't often blessed with people that are so very easy to be around, so easy in fact that I often find myself spilling my guts all over the table in a messy display of lack of tact and refrain. Thank you, Kissed Knitter.

-Today is my last day of work for the year. I decided to celebrate by eating a Ghiardelli Peppermint Bark bar that I had stowed for such an occassion. (It's these things that make me happy.) It promptly made me sick, so it wasn't so celebratory afterall.

I didn't set any goals for my time off. No painting of doors. No refinishing of floors. Just time with those I love. Several day trips next week; a luncheon and maybe a visit to a tea room. Yes, I will have to wear clothes, but I don't think I am required to wear my contacts.

-The holidays are tough for me. I love them, but they are trying in so many ways. Ways I don't want to share here because I'll only get fired up. However, what makes the holidays for me are my friends. I have a chosen family for which I am overwhelming grateful. It's those that you pull into your life that give you something each day to count among your blessings. It's those people that know you, make you feel whole and give you all that you could ever ask for and more.

-Lately I have squeezed in few little get togethers with friends. My work buddies and I recently got together for a little Italian and a gift exchange. And one of them gifted me with a Sock Monkey. There is a huge long story that details my affection for these mishapen creatures, but that's not important here. What's important is that she remembered the connection and she went to a lot of trouble to find this very sweet present. And Sammy loved him too, even snuggled him for a bit.

-On Thursday, a day deemed a "no cry day", another dear friend gifted me with an afghan, a beautiful, thick, soft, sweet-smelling afghan. Knowing how much work and time went into this, I was touched, so very touched that I did cry, just a little before choking it back and splashing water on my face. I am blessed, not only with this incredible gift, but with the time and caring behind it.

-And no holiday is complete without lots and lots and lots of food. This week alone, I have discovered tins of pecans, cheese straws, truffles and of course butter cookies on my desk. I am working under the assumption that I can eat anything I wish, it's the holidays afterall. I'll deal with that in January.