The Pre-Holiday Rush.

Friday is Solstice but my work Christmas lunch is happening then… so we’re celebrating Solstice a day early. (I’m not happy about that, really, but what can you do?) I’ve sent emails and notes to teachers, Coffee has booked the day off, and I’ve arranged for someone else to cover some of my responsibilities at work.

I think we’re *this close* to being ready for Solstice. Gifts are 99% wrapped and ready. Cookies and fudge and whatnot have been baked and prepared. Cards were mailed out on the weekend (a bit later than I’d have liked) and there’s really not much left to do.

And that’s good because – jeeeeeez – this week is a really busy one for me. I took this morning off from work because I’m working ’til almost 9pm tonight. Tomorrow I’m going to try to figure out how to balance two kids being at home (the teachers are striking) with a meeting in another city. Wednesday I’ve got a staff meeting starting at 9 am, an open house at work during the day, and at night I’m at prison until almost 9pm.

Then it’s Solstice.

Coffee has Friday off – and I’d have loved to be home with him – but I’ve got my work Christmas lunch and, later that day, I’m at the evening outreach (until around 8pm). I’ve gently asked my co-worker if he can take the shift (since I’m taking his, next week) but I suspect he has plans for Friday. It sucks because Coffee only has 2 vacation days to use over the holidays – and that’s the only one he could take where there was even a possibility of him and I spending time without the kids. Meh.

I’m already tired. I am SO grateful to have 2 weeks off soon.